Beckoning Chinatown

One can explore heritage sites, shop and dine all at once in the the biggest Chinatown in the world.

• After the sun sets in the evening, one can check out the chaotic fun and the striking neon lights everywhere as the place is famous for its nightlife.
• At several ancient Buddhist shrines you can offer prayers and gaze at the brilliant work of art.
• At the local restaurants, you can enjoy mouth watering delicacies. The local restaurants offer a variety of Asian cuisines.

Chinatown has beautiful streets and buildings that are decorated with Chinese symbols such as dragons and lanterns. Written in English and Chinese, the street signs are something that has to be paid attention to.

As you explore the area, find Chinese-style gates and stone lions. The Chinatown gate and Chinese artisans built in traditional Qing dynasty style. It was completed on Wardour Street in 2016 which is not to be missed. Making perfect photo opportunities particularly during seasonal celebrations, these impressive decorations give an insight into Chinese culture.

The capital's colourful Chinese New Year celebrations are hosted by Chinatown between mid-January and February, every year. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the dates vary from year to year. In 2024, the Chinese New Year London festivities will take place around the date 10 February as the Chinese New Year falls on that date. 

Spectacular parades with lion dances and floats are included in the events. In Trafalgar Square, there are live performances, there is entertainment across the West End and around Chinatown, as well as craft stalls, and  pop-up food.

All year round, perfect photo opportunities are created by the place adorned with hundreds of red lanterns.

You can find some of the wonderful shops selling Asian cosmetics and authentic Chinese food shops and bakeries. They also have gifts and trinkets that are Chinese-inspired.

There are also plenty of other events in Chinatown throughout the year. This includes the Mid-Autumn Festival with live performances and delicious mooncakes . 

Browse the shelves for vegetables, spices and fresh fruits at the See Woo supermarkets, New Loon Moon and Lucky Foods.

For a sweet treat, fluffy pineapple buns and custard tarts can be shopped at Golden Gate Cake Shop and Kowloon bakery. Watch mini taiyaki fish-shaped waffles filled with custard being made at Chinatown Bakery or try them stuffed with soft-serve matcha ice cream at Bake.

Cosmetics and skincare products can be checked out at Asian at P2bus and Oseyo. P2bus and Oseyo also sell K-pop stationery, merchandise, and food.

Knick-knacks such as maneki-neko (beckoning cats), Chinese clothing and Lanterns can be explored at shops selling these items. 

Some streets are pedestrianised as it is a relatively small area and it is easy to get around Chinatown on foot.

Buses don’t travel through Chinatown routes but they skirt the area’s boundaries. Limited to the main streets, there is access for cars and taxis.

A lot of restaurants in Chinatown serve regional Chinese fare. Alongside European eateries and pizza places, you’ll also find other cuisines including Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, Malaysian, and Vietnamese. The best restaurants in Chinatown are Baozilnn, Olle, Four Seasons, Golden Dragon and Leon’s legend.