Chinatown Travel Guide

Los Angeles

Chinatown featuring signage
Chinatown featuring heritage architecture
Chinatown which includes heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Chinatown
Chinatown

Spend an afternoon wandering around this historic ethnic neighborhood, which is home to diverse restaurants, a thriving art scene and quirky grocery stores.

Los Angeles’ Chinatown is an eclectic little neighbourhood where you can shop for items ranging from herbal remedies to Asian art. In addition to traditional Chinese shops, this buzzing district has trendy galleries and stylish restaurants. Stock up on rare spices and inexpensive jewellery, savour a meal of dim sum or sip craft beers.

The development of Union Station in 1938 forced the city’s early Chinese community to relocate from its initial settlement. The Central Plaza, the neighbourhood’s busy main square, was dedicated the same year and still forms the heart of Chinatown to this day. Be sure to check out this bustling square at night, when it is illuminated with neon pagoda lights and lanterns.

Across the street from Central Plaza, you’ll find Chung King Road, which has some of the city’s top art galleries. This once-rundown pedestrian passage is now regularly packed with trendsetters attending gallery openings, particularly on Saturday nights. Seek out more contemporary galleries along Gin Ling Way, on the west side of Broadway.

Stop for lunch at Philippe the Original, a cafeteria-style deli that claims to have invented the French dip sandwich. A neighbourhood institution since 1908, this low-key restaurant is also known for its potent house mustard.

Take a look inside Taoist Thien Hau Temple, which is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. Look for a ceremonial drum and bell hanging next to the beautifully carved columns at the temple’s entrance. Inside, you’ll see granite panels carved with depictions of tigers and dragons.

Like other Chinatowns around the world, Los Angeles’ Chinatown is particularly festive during Chinese New Year. Typically beginning in late January, this month-long festival features fireworks displays, pageants, parades and other lively events. If you visit during this celebration, be sure to try nian gao (a steamed cake), which is traditionally eaten during the New Year.

Chinatown is bordered by Alameda Street, Bernard Street, Yale Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue. You’ll find plenty of open-air lots and enclosed garages for parking. Alternatively, ride the metro to Chinatown station.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Chinatown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹12,876 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹12,876
₹14,961 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,485 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and the room was very peaceful."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₹12,040 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹12,040
₹13,997 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,780 reviews)
"This place was perfect for the night before an early AM flight. Located right next to LAX (we could see the runways and planes taking off/landing) it was surprisingly quiet. Staff were friendly and helpful, the room itself was a but dated, and the bathroom a little old, but it was clean and the beds ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport

4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₹13,144 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹13,144
₹15,273 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,012 reviews)
"Efficient"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Loews Hollywood Hotel

Loews Hollywood Hotel

4 out of 5
1755 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₹21,506 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
₹21,506
₹28,012 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,384 reviews)
"Best spot to stay in that area"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Loews Hollywood Hotel
Sheraton Universal Hotel

Sheraton Universal Hotel

4 out of 5
333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA
The price is ₹16,066 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹16,066
₹18,668 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Universal City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,856 reviews)
"Loved it!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Sheraton Universal Hotel
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel

4 out of 5
6101 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₹12,437 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹12,437
₹14,452 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle and a health club. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,524 reviews)
Great lay over
"Perfect lay over before international flight."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

Default Image

Echo Park

If you're spending some time in Echo Park, Dodger Stadium and Echo Park Lake are top sights worth seeing.

Echo Park
Downtown Los Angeles featuring a city

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(134 area reviews)

Crypto.com Arena and L.A. Live are top sights in Downtown Los Angeles, and you should be sure to explore the great live music. Hop aboard the metro at Pershing Square Station or Little Tokyo/Arts District Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Los Angeles
Default Image

Silver Lake

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Lake views, live music and theatres are just a few things travellers enjoy about Silver Lake. Check out Melrose Avenue or Mattachine Steps while you're exploring the area.

Silver Lake
Default Image

Koreatown

Travellers choose Koreatown for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Wilshire - Western Station or Wilshire - Normandie Station and check out top sights like Wiltern Theatre.

Koreatown
Default Image

Los Feliz

You'll enjoy the coffee shops and architecture in Los Feliz. You might want to make time for a stop at Hollywood Boulevard or Pohono Bridge.

Los Feliz
Default Image

Hollywood

4/5(208 area reviews)

Travellers love Hollywood for its popular shops, and you can see more of Los Angeles by jumping on the metro at Hollywood - Vine Station or Hollywood - Highland Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Hollywood Boulevard and Hollywood Palladium.

Hollywood

Chinatown Travel Guide