Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant cultural hub, located in the heart of the West End, near Leicester Square and Soho. While the present Chinatown on Gerrard Street has been flourishing since the 1970s, its roots date back much earlier. The first Chinese community in London emerged in the 19th century in Limehouse, East London, as Chinese sailors and traders settled near the docks. At this time, it had an undesirable reputation for its opium dens, slum housing and unlawful activities. However, the community relocated to the West End following the devastation of World War II, and by the mid-20th century, the area around Gerrard Street began transforming into the Chinatown known today. Chinatown’s architecture is distinctively Asian, featuring traditional Chinese gate arches known as "paifangs" at key entrances. These intricate gateways are adorned with vibrant colours, detailed carvings, and lucky symbols, giving visitors an immediate sense of the cultural shift as they enter. Red lanterns hang across the streets, and Chinese-style shop fronts and signage dominate the area, creating an immersive environment that contrasts with the surrounding areas. The main entrance to Chinatown is through the China Gate on the east end, and runs along the centre of Gerrard Street where you will find these two Chinese lions. In Chinese folklore, lions are considered lucky omens and if you visit during Chinese New Year celebrations in February, you may be lucky enough to see the Lion Dance – a ceremonial dance featuring drums and ornate Chinese lion costumes. Over the years, Chinatown has undergone significant redevelopment, growing into a bustling district filled with Chinese restaurants, supermarkets, herbal medicine shops, and bakeries. It’s a major destination for food lovers, offering a wide array of authentic Asian cuisines, from dim sum to Peking duck. Annual Chinese New Year celebrations attract large crowds with lion dances, street performances, and parades. For tourists, Chinatown is a lively, colourful place to explore, filled with cultural landmarks, culinary delights, and the rich history of London’s Chinese community.