Every year, the Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year as it’s better known, introduces the beginning of the lunisolar Chinese calendar with a bang on 10 February. Just like any other New Year, it comes with celebrations and traditions aplenty! But for many, the chances of experiencing a Chinese New Year are equal to their chances of being in China in February.
This year, Expat Explore is giving you even more reasons, and chances, to celebrate Chinese New Year with the top Chinatowns around the world. Pay these iconic areas a visit for the ultimate Chinese New Year celebrations outside of China, and ring in the Year of the Dragon in style!
Discover the best Chinatowns in the world:
Singapore
With the majority of the population in Singapore being of Chinese descent, it should come as no surprise that this vibrant, culture-rich and food-centric country makes the list of the world’s best Chinatowns. While city skyscrapers frame this cultural gem, Singapore’s Chinatown is an ode to tradition right in the central region of the country.
With decades-old shops, religious buildings, traditional medicine centres, fresh produce markets and family-style restaurants, this is a community culture you have to experience for yourself! Take in the exciting sights and mouth-watering smells as you roam the streets of this slice of China.
Melbourne
Melbourne might not exactly be where you would expect to find one of the world’s top Chinatowns. However, thanks to a lucrative gold discovery in the 1850s, a small population of Chinese immigrants established what is now a bustling region of Melbourne. Be sure to visit over a weekend when it really comes alive!
With incredible food, Chinese museums, local bars and swarms of visitors, Melbourne’s Chinatown is the place to be to celebrate the end of the week and year. If you ever find yourself in Australia, pay this Chinatown a visit for an Asian fusion experience unlike any other!
London, United Kingdom
The United Kingdom brings us our next incredible Chinatown outside of China. Situated in London, Gerrard Street forms the thoroughfare of London’s Chinatown. Here, you’ll find English street names subtitled in Chinese, telephone booths closely resembling pagodas, traditional herbal and medicine shops, as well as a variety of divine restaurants to try.
Stop by over the weekend for a family market with delicious local foods on offer. And if you’re fortunate enough to be in the region around Chinese New Year, be sure to visit London’s Chinatown and immerse yourself in the celebrations. From people to papier mache beasts, the streets are buzzing when it’s time to ring in the new year!
Related: Discover the top places to visit in London for a royal time!
Lima, Peru
Our next global Chinatown is situated in Lima, Peru, home to the descendants of immigrant Cantonese miners who arrived in the 1850s. While it’s undoubtedly a Chinatown, this Peruvian must-see takes fusion to the next level. Barrio Chino, or Chinatown, in Peru, boasts many unique dishes that combine Chinese and Peruvian cooking styles.
Pay Chinatown in Peru a visit, and be sure to stop for a bite at as many chifas (Chinese restaurants) as you can!
Paris, France
What you would come to expect of a trip to Paris, France, you can also expect at Quartier Chinois – the Parisian Chinatown. Elegant shopping and haute cuisine are French staples, yet Paris Chinatown embraces both of these while honouring traditional Chinese heritage.
A trip to Quartier Chinois would be incomplete without some souvenirs to take home. Choose from a variety of trinkets, decorations, tea sets and traditional dresses. Finally, be sure to sink your teeth into a deliciously fresh traditional Chinese meal.
Related: Explore more sights with our ultimate guide to Paris!
Toronto, Canada
Toronto, the most populated city in Canada, is also home to quite a few Chinatowns. One in particular, however, stands out for its size, large number of stores and popular local restaurants, all of which stay open until late at night.
The streets of Dundas and Spadina are abuzz with stands selling fresh fruits and vegetables, herbalists specialising in traditional Chinese healing and grocery stores for any remaining necessities. And don’t forget to try a helping of fresh, traditional dumplings for the ultimate foodie memory!
New York City, USA
Our next incredible Chinatown away from China is known for its sheer size! Chinatown in New York, USA, started out crammed into a few streets but now spans an impressive 40 blocks of New York City. Since its inception in the 1870s, NYC’s Chinatown has grown into a must-see neighbourhood not only as a symbol of Chinese culture but of Manhattan culture too.
Visitors can expect a variety of retailers and restaurateurs, all of whom are willing and ready to negotiate. And of course, Chinese New Year in the New York Chinatown streets is an unforgettable experience! Marvel at the parade and festival attendants as you welcome the Lunar New Year.
Related: Tick both New York and Canada off your bucket list on our Eastern USA & Canada Escape tour!
Yokohama, Japan
Last but certainly not least on our list of must-see Chinatowns around the world is situated in Yokohama, Japan. This lively, culture-rich neighbourhood is small but full of fun and flavour! Over 600 shops and restaurants are packed into this gem of Chinese heritage. At the centre, you’ll find a temple for the god of business while ten lavishly decorated gates frame the area.
When you visit, take some time to peruse the colourful shops and restaurants. Be sure to try the Cantonese-style cuisine that’s been adapted to satisfy local taste buds. Japan’s Chinatown is truly an unmissable experience!
Related: Discover the best times to visit Japan!
While there are many more incredible Chinatowns to visit all around the world, these destinations offer the very best of Chinese culture and cuisine. Now that you’ve gotten a taste of some of the world’s top Chinatowns, it’s time to get out there and experience them for yourself!
Expat Explore offers fun and affordable group coach tours to many of the incredible destinations on our list. All you have to do is book a trip and start dreaming about your jam-packed itinerary!