Chinatowns across the United States are some of the most vibrant cultural districts in the country. They are full of colorful enclaves packed with regional Chinese cuisines, traditional herbal shops, bustling markets, historic temples, and a mix of old-world tradition with modern Asian American identity. While nearly every major city has its own version, a handful stand out for their depth, history, and culinary excellence. Here are six of the best Chinatowns in the United States that every traveler should explore.
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1. San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s Chinatown is not just the oldest in the United States, but it’s also the largest outside of Asia. Established in the 1840s, this neighborhood still feels like its own world: red lanterns stripe the sky, herbal shops line Stockton Street, and temples like Tin How still welcome visitors.
Why it’s special:
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Most historically significant Chinese district in America
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Home to dim sum institutions like Good Mong Kok and the legendary Golden Gate Bakery
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A perfect blend of old-school shops and modern eateries
Must see: Grant Avenue’s Dragon Gate, the Chinatown alleys, and Portsmouth Square.
Chinatowns offer great food and immersive culture.
2. New York City, New York
Manhattan’s Chinatown is massive, energetic, and densely packed but the true magic is in its diversity. You’ll find Cantonese roast shops near Fujianese noodle spots, as well as influence from Southeast Asian Chinese communities. Close by, Flushing (Queens) and Sunset Park (Brooklyn) create an extended “tri-Chinatown” that’s arguably the most exciting Chinese food scene in the country.
Why it’s special:
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Home to multiple Chinese culinary regions represented street by street
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Bubble tea, dumpling houses, herbal apothecaries, and bakeries on nearly every corner
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Flushing is especially known for its night-market-style food courts
Must see: The bowery for roast meats, Doyers Street, and Flushing’s Golden Mall food court.
3. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles has two distinct Chinese hubs: the historic Chinatown near downtown, and the modern, sprawling Chinese communities of the San Gabriel Valley. Today, the San Gabriel Valley is considered one of the best places in the world to eat modern Chinese cuisine outside China.
Why it’s special:
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San Gabriel Valley restaurants offer regional specialty foods (Sichuan, Hunan, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Shanghainese) at world-class levels
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L.A.’s historic Chinatown adds architecture, galleries, and tradition
Must see: Dim sum in Arcadia, Taiwanese breakfast in Rowland Heights, and art galleries in DTLA Chinatown.
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4. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Chinatown is smaller than New York or San Francisco but extremely well curated and walkable. Its iconic Chinatown Gate leads into a compact neighborhood filled with bakeries, restaurants, teahouses, parks, and murals celebrating Chinese history and Chicago’s immigrant story.
Why it’s special:
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Ming-inspired architecture
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One of the cleanest and most organized Chinatowns in the country
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Excellent Cantonese and Sichuan restaurants
Must see: Ping Tom Memorial Park, Chinatown Square, and the main Wentworth Avenue corridor.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu’s Chinatown may surprise travelers; it mixes Chinese, Hawaiian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Portuguese influences. Historic markets sell tropical produce and island-influenced Chinese dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
Why it’s special:
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Tropical spin on classic Chinese dishes
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Asian fusion food scene equal parts traditional and modern
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Home to excellent nightlife, art galleries, and Lei Day traditions
Must see: The Maunakea Markets and hole-in-the-wall noodle shops.
Show up hungry when you visit!
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s Chinatown is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant in the U.S. Its central location draws visitors from across the Northeast, and it has expanded to include not only Chinese but Vietnamese, Burmese, and Korean influences while still maintaining a strong cultural core.
Why it’s special:
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Bustling with bakeries, dumpling shops, and bubble tea cafés
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Strong community preservation efforts
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Mix of traditional Cantonese and trendy pan-Asian restaurants
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The best Chinatowns in the United States aren’t just tourist destinations, but rather they’re living cultural ecosystems. Each Chinatown offers a window into Chinese American heritage, culinary evolution, and more.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.