A fascinating blend of old and new buildings, ancient traditions and experimental art, and sights, sounds, and smells both familiar and foreign greet visitors to Chinatown. With its myriad of alleyways, temples and courtyards, Los Angeles Chinatown has been a favorite destination since the 1930s. The area boasts 25 blocks of shops, restaurants, and attractions featuring merchandise and food from all corners of the Chinese-speaking world. In 2001, local property owners elected to participate in a business improvement district that has responsibility beautifying, providing safety patrols, and marketing for the area. L.A.'s Chinatown has nearly 12,000 residents, making it the third largest Chinatown in the country. Annual events include the Chinese New Year Parade and Festival, the Chinese Food Festival, and the Moon Festival. A weekly Chinatown Farmers Market is held on Hill Street.

Los Angeles' first Chinese settlement was located where Union Station is today. Construction of the station pushed relocation westward, and in 1938 a new master planned "New" Chinatown was erected by Chinatown's founding fathers. Central Plaza, as it is known today, features gateways at the east and west entrances that have become icons. The plaza reflects glamorously the use of Chinese architectural motifs to create atmosphere, draw tourists, and to establish a symbolic center for the local Chinese community. Points of interest in the plaza dating back to the 30s include a wishing well and Hop Sing Tong, one of the oldest fraternal organizations in Chinatown. More recent additions have been a statue erected to honor Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, father of the Republic of China, handprints of film star Chow Yun Fat, a dragon mural painted by artist Tyrus Wong, and the original site of Madame Wong's, the hot spot during the 1970s and early 1980s for punk rock bands.

Central Plaza

The historic heart of Chinatown and home of many trendy new shops.

Metro Gold Line Chinatown Station

Opened in 2003 and connects Chinatown to Union Station and Pasadena.

Chung King Road/West Plaza

The heart of Los Angeles' avant-garde art community featuring 8 of Chinatown's 20+ galleries.

Chua Thien Hau (Cam Au) Temple

A newly erected Buddhist temple much loved by Chinatown locals.

Visit www.chinatownla.com for more information.