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Destinations USA

The Oriental Way: Chinatown Los Angeles

When visitors visit the City of Angels, they make it a point to visit Chinatown, which is located on North Broadway near Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. The Old Chinatown was originally found in the center of Macy and Alameda Streets in the 19th century. It was the time when settlers from China began settiling in the area. On the other hand, the settlers back then were not yet allowed to apply for US citinzenship nor were they permitted to own a property. Since the settlers were not allowed to own properties, there was substantial selling and reselling of real estate in the area which caused a poor business climate and the eventual development of the Union Station.

However, a new Chinatown Los Angeles arose in the 1930’s when the Chinese-American community innovator Peter Soo Hoo, Sr. made the thought of collective neighborhood plans, which had both Chinese and American Architecture. This gave a rebirth for the Chinese community to express their traditions, architectural mastery, art, beliefs, merchandise, and delicacies. This was also the beginning of Chinatown Los Angeles which would soon become a popular Southern California tourist attraction.

Hot spots in Chinatown Los Angeles include: The Central Plaza referred to as the “Gate of the Filial Piety” and is the first one to be a part of modern day American Chinatown. It features a statue of Dr. Sun Yat Sen who was the founder of the Republic of China. Additionally, it has got the five-tiered pagoda, a wishing well over 70 years old; Phoenix Bakery known as the largest and earliest bakery making the citywide popular strawberry whipped cream cakes; Little Joe’s restaurant which is a reminder of the large Italian populace that also once resided in Chinatown of Los Angeles.

Yet another tourist spot in Chinatown Los Angeles would be the Chinese American Museum situated in the Garnier Building, that was once a residence and meeting spot for Chinese immigrants. It contains the physical and cultural ties of a long past history and diverse forthcoming future. Located in close proximity to Chinatown you will find numerous Los Angeles Hotels where visiting guests can find reasonable and comfortable accommodations. Visitors also can visit one of many Environmentally friendly hotel directories online when trying to locate lodging in the area nearby.

The Taoist Temple was regarded as the most wonderful of its kind and which is commonly regarded as the central part of the immigrant community of Chinatown Los Angeles. The worshippers of the temple pray by lighting incense and also providing fruits and vegetables and which are then subsequently donated as food to the poor.

Wing Hop Fung Ginseng may be the largest store not only of conventional medical products, but also of teas, herbs, dried goods, liquor, products of pottery, gifts from the Orient, Chinese traditional clothing, decorations for festivals, etc.. This makes it a one stop shop to a lot of people who visit Chinatown in Los Angeles.

A number of stalls, shops, bazaars may also be discovered and has long been loved by the tourists who visit Chinatown in Los Angeles. Individuals who come and go to the place will generally find time to browse around as it is a great place to buy cheaply priced garments, toys and games, jewelries, accessories, souvenirs, herbal supplements. A frequent delight is the food with authentic Asian taste because the merchants are composed of not only the Chinese people but also of the new ethnic immigrants from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

When ever going to Los Angeles California be sure that you make the effort to visit Chinatown… you will discover it to be among the best parts of your tour!