Chinatown—Los Angeles

Having been raised in a small town I am fascinated with many aspects of the large cities—but not enough to move there! I am still a country-boy at heart. In some of these large cities I have developed a fondness for the Asian district, otherwise known as Chinatown.

I recall the first time I stepped foot inside an Asian supermarket. I was blown away by aisle after aisle filled with cans and bottles in foreign script, exotic aroma wafting in the air, fresh fish on ice and produce I had never seen before. I didn't even know there existed such a grocery store anywhere in the United States!

Los Angeles Chinatown, main plaza.

Sometimes when I am in a big city I will seek out the Asian district if there happens to be one. A few years ago we ventured into Chinatown of Los Angeles. We only spent a few hours, but it was long enough to walk through the Chinese gate, see the Bruce Lee statue, peruse a few stores and eat a bowl of rice.

The “new” Chinatown of Los Angeles opened in 1938, replacing the older one that fell into decline and was replaced by Union Station. In addition to the many restaurants and shops, it is also a tourist attraction and has been the setting for numerous Hollywood films. Movie designers and directors such as Cecil B. Demille donated props to give Chinatown a more exotic atmosphere.

I've included a few pictures of our visit to Chinatown in Los Angeles. It's not much and the pictures aren't great, but perhaps it will showcase a portion of what this place has to offer. ♠

Sculpture of Sun Yat-sen.

Wishing well.

Entrance to Chinatown.