LA's Chinatown arguably ranks as the most Chinatown in the world. There's even a famous 1974 film set in and named after the famous
Los Angeles neighborhood, further emphasizing the mystery that surrounds it. However, the place doesn't have to stay a mystery for you if you're considering visiting or even relocating to the district yourself. In a nutshell, Chinatown celebrates Chinese (and Chinese-American) culture with a distinctly LA edge. From its striking temples to its beloved eateries, the neighborhood offers a different side to Tinseltown that's not necessarily beholden to Hollywood glamour, but is enchanting just the same.
Where is Chinatown in Los Angeles?
Chinatown is a district within a district. It's located in Downtown LA, making it one of the most
central neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Specifically, Chinatown lies north of the Los Angeles Civic Center and between College and Bernard Streets. It's also only a short walk from Union Station, which means it's also easily accessible via public transport. While Chinatown isn't exactly the city center since it's in Downtown Los Angeles, it's near enough that it's become one of the city's most popular districts. Not to mention its myriad of beloved eateries, too!
Is it Safe in Chinatown, Los Angeles?
The answer to this is pretty complex. Generally speaking, Chinatown is a safe neighborhood. As long as you take the necessary safety precautions, especially at night, you'll have no trouble exploring the area. With that said, however, Chinatown is far from a crime-free district, too. It may not have the highest
crime rates in Los Angeles, but there's no denying that it's right up there. It's even come to the point that Chinatown is often accused as one of those sketchy districts that contribute to LA's high crime rates, specifically after dark.
What's The Vibe in Chinatown, Los Angeles?
Chinatown stays vibrant, be it night or day. As one of the most urban and dense parts of Los Angeles, the area never lacks hustle and bustle. People are always moving about here, from the foodies checking out its famous eateries and tourists visiting the place to the locals working and doing business. More than just its world-famous culinary scene, LA's Chinatown never fails to fascinate with its beautiful blend of traditional Asian culture with the modern edge of the city itself. You might not necessarily choose to settle down here when you
move to Los Angeles, but you'll definitely visit it often!
Is it Expensive in Chinatown, Los Angeles?
Chinatown itself may not be that expensive, but you'll find yourself spending more money here than anywhere else! The neighborhood distinguishes itself as one of the more affordable parts of the city, even when
LA's living costs are typically high. Things aren't necessarily cheap here, but they're not as outrageously expensive as the rest of Tinseltown! Take the rent in Chinatown, for example, which is at an average $2,750.00 per month. And when you eat out here, you'll likely only spend about $16.00 to $40.00 per meal. Those prices aren't bad considering that Chinatown boasts some of the best places to eat in Los Angeles!
What to See in Chinatown, Los Angeles
Chinatown, as a whole, is already the noteworthy sight to see in Los Angeles. With its colorful Pagodas and eye-catching temples, the place shows off a different side to the glamorous metropolis. Just got to the Central Plaza and you'll feel as if you're whisked away to China! You'll see no traces of American culture and architecture here; you'd sooner think you've stumbled upon a movie set! The grand Thien Hau Temple also kicks that cinematic touch up a notch, standing tall and imposing in the middle of Los Angeles.
What to Do in Chinatown, Los Angeles
Eat, eat, and eat! You can go sightseeing in LA's Chinatown, but you can leave that to the tourists instead! If you've already seen the Central Plaza and the district's other eye-catching landmarks, then you can simply indulge in its authentic Asian cuisine. You'll get to taste and experience different flavors here that you won't find anywhere else! And that's just for the day! At night, you can enjoy Chinatown's famous nightlife scene, featuring awesome hotspots like Melody Lounge, Exchange LA, and the Grand Star Jazz Club, to name a few. What's not to love?
The Best Restaurants in Chinatown, Los Angeles
Speaking of eating out in Chinatown, you couldn't have picked a better place to indulge your inner foodie. If Los Angeles has any stake in the contest of which city deserves the title of America's food capital of the US, Chinatown serves as its biggest ace. Golden Dragon Restaurant on N Broadway, Won Kok Restaurant on Alpine Street, and Jade Wok on W College Street are just some that highlight Chinese cuisine at its finest and most authentic. It's even come to the point that they're respected institutions in LA's culinary scene, arguably even more so than any
Michelin-starred restaurant outside the area.
Don’t miss out on any of Chinatown’s best eateries listed below:
- Hop Li Seafood Restaurant on Alpine Street
- Won Kok Restaurant on Alpine Street
- Yang Chow on N Broadway
- Broadway Cuisine on N Broadway
- Golden Dragon Restaurant on N Broadway
- Foo Chow Restaurant on N Hill Street
- Full House Seafood on N Hill Street
- Majordomo on Naud Street
- Jade Wok on W College Street
- Zen Mei Bistro on Yale Street
What to Know About Renting in Chinatown, Los Angeles
Chinatown is one of the best places to settle down in Los Angeles since it has among the lowest rent in the city. As already mentioned, the average rent here is about $2,750.00 per month, which isn't necessarily cheap, but it's undoubtedly low in LA standards. For further context, this figure is not too far from the national average rent in the US, which is $1,637.00 per month. On top of that, Chinatown has some of the finest
luxury apartments in Los Angeles, especially since they boast such a central location.
Culture and the cutting edge converge at Chinatown in Los Angeles. You won’t find any other district in LA and beyond that has masterfully blended its community’s fascinating culture with the city’s affinity for something new.
