Chinatown, New York: where it is, how to get there, and what to see

New York is one of those cities to visit at least once in your life. Rich in iconic attractions, the center of the American dream, the location of many of our favorite TV series and movies, walking through its streets feels like being transported into another world. But not only that: New York is truly a cultural melting pot! You will find people from all over the world, making it difficult to meet native New Yorkers. And between one street and another, you will come across neighborhoods that are completely different from each other, both historically and culturally.

Today we want to take you on a discovery of the Chinatown neighborhood and its main streets Canal Street and Mott Street!

It is one of the most characteristic streets, small but noisy, filled with shops and eateries with typical Chinese signs.

It is the Museum of Chinese in America. Small but well-kept, it tells the story of the Chinese community in New York and America through documents, photographs, and multimedia material.

Founded only in 1973, this is the largest Chinese pharmacy on the entire East Coast of the USA. In addition to selling many products, you can also get massages and acupuncture treatments here.

The largest and most famous Buddhist temple in New York! Inside, there is a statue of the Golden Buddha, which at 16 feet tall, is the largest in the city. It is possible to visit inside.

A large market within the Mietz Building, where you can find every kind of product, from Chinese culinary specialties to clothing, including imitations of major high-fashion brands.

A major fish market in the neighborhood, one of the most important in all of Chinatown, where you can get a glimpse of the community's life.

The only green area in Chinatown, where locals gather to walk, play Chinese chess, and practice tai chi.

A prominent figure, Lin Ze Xu was a scholar of the Qing dynasty who, in the early 1800s, opposed opium, causing the First Opium War. A photo in front of the statue is a must.

Near the square with the statue of Lin Ze Xu, there is this small residential square, where the statue of Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher from the 6th-5th century BC, is also located.

Built in 1840, it originally belonged to the Irish, then to the Italians, and finally to the Chinese community. Masses are held in English, as well as in Cantonese and Mandarin.

Chinatown is the perfect place if you want to, for a moment, be enveloped and transported into an oriental atmosphere: despite the tall New York skyscrapers, for a moment it will truly feel like you are in China.

The history of the Chinese community in America began in the second half of the 19th century, when millions of Orientals migrated here in search of fortune. By 1880, there were already 10,000 Chinese in New York.

If you find yourself in New York between late January and early February, be sure to stop by Chinatown: during this time the Chinese New Year celebrations take place! In these two weeks of nonstop celebration, the neighborhood turns red and parades, such as the Lion Dance, and firework displays take place, which are unmissable! The best way to discover every secret and curiosity about this neighborhood rich in colors, flavors, and traditions is to participate in a guided walking tour, which often includes visits to other iconic spots like SoHo and Little Italy.