1. New York City
A long, wide thoroughfare in New York’s Chinatown (Photo: Vivienne Gucwa via Flickr)
Anyone who has visited New York’s Chinatown will be amazed to learn that, once upon a time, the entire area encompassed a mere three city blocks. Today it spans around 40, and wandering through its maze like confines makes it easy to imagine you are in China itself, rather than the core of the Big Apple.
Its streets are almost perpetually busy. Whether it’s early morning roadsweepers or nocturnal hedonists seeking fun and excitement, there is a hive of activity from dusk till dawn. Many of New York’s huge number of Chinese residents also live here, and the homes, shops, restaurants and institutions cater not only to visitors, but people living their day-to-day lives. It is part of what makes it such an authentic place.
Food, of course, is at the heart of the district. It is often said that it is difficult to find a bad meal in New York, and that reputation certainly extends to Chinatown too. Whether it’s dum sum, noodles, peking duck, or even something more exotic, you can be certain that what is served up originated in a Chinese cookbook many thousands of miles away.
TOP TIP: Fancy an authentic Chinese massage while you’re out and about in Chinatown? Stop by Wu Lim Services for a facial, body or foot massage, or perhaps just some relaxation in a spa room
MORE INFO: www.new-york-chinatown.info
