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Vacations - Chinatowns of the World
from: Jay BauderChina has a long and rich history of exploration and migration
around the world. In fact, according to the Overseas Chinese
Affairs Commission, at the end of 1999, there were 34,505,000
Chinese people living in countries around the world.
The word "Chinatown" in Chinese means "The Street of the Tang
People", with Tang referring to the Tang Dynasty, a period of
Chinese history regarded by many people as the pinnacle in the
Chinese civilization.
For many Chinese people, the original Chinatowns around the
world were not started out of choice, but because of racial
segregation, and oppression. In other places, they were created
to bring a sense of home and community to strangers in a new
land.
Whatever their origins, you can find a Chinatown in almost every
major city in the world. They vary in size -- from a couple of
streets to large, thriving cities within a city.
Visit any Chinatown in the world and you'll be treated to a
banquet for your senses -- vibrant, shimmering silks that are
sensuously soft against your skin, exotic spices and culinary
delights to tempt your astounds along with a kaleidoscope of
sounds, fireworks and music. Wander along the crowded streets
and you'll find large pagoda-style arches, paper lanterns,
Chinese dragons, beautiful temples and commerce taking place at
a dizzying pace.
Here is a list of some of the best Chinatowns in the world:
San Francisco, California: The largest Chinatown on the West
Coast, Chinatown is one of San Francisco's biggest tourist
attractions. It is world-renowned for its exotic ambience. The
history of this Chinatown dates back to the gold rush days of
the mid 1800s. Although they were not allowed in the mines,
Chinese immigrants built laundries and restaurants to serve the
growing city. Today the area is about eight blocks long, and the
best time to visit is usually mid-day. Don't miss the small
exotic shops that you'll find on the narrow streets, to look for
the best bargains.
New York City, New York: Found in lower Manhattan, Chinatown in
New York takes up two square miles. It is the largest Chinatown
in the U.S. Founded by Chinese sailors and traders in the mid
18th century; the population was small and transient. It wasn't
until the Californian Gold Rush that large numbers of Chinese
immigrants came to the U.S. After racial tension created
problems in the West, immigrants moved back east for safety and
employment. Today its overcrowded and narrow streets are both a
tourist attraction and home to the largest population of Chinese
New Yorkers. You'll find restaurants, open air markets and shops
selling everything from silks to herbal products to high
fashion.
Singapore: In a city already predominated by Chinese people, an
area named "Chinatown" may seem rather redundant. But Chinatown
here is one of the most active and vibrant in the entire world.
Here you'll enjoy a feast for your palette as well as your eyes.
Enjoy exotic dining, brightly painted buildings, nightly
cultural activities and shopping.
Melbourne, Australia: Chinatown Melbourne also dates back to a
mid-19th century gold rush. It combines the best of Chinese,
Japanese, Thai and Korean cultures in a busy, bustling
environment full of history. The best time to visit Chinatown
Melbourne is at night, when the decorative streetlights are
ablaze, lanterns are lit in restaurant windows, and wind chimes
and neon lights are dazzling. Your biggest problem will be
deciding where to go first!
Toronto, Canada: Sam Ching's Chinese laundry, downtown, launched
the oldest of the six Chinatowns in the metro area of Toronto.
Begun in the 1870's, Chinatown Toronto is famous for over 500
Chinese restaurants, glazed porcelain tea sets, jade necklaces,
pearls, and the latest in electronic gadgets. If you watch
closely, you'll even see abacuses being used to figure totals
and change.
Chinese festivals are celebrated in every Chinatown, and if you
happen to find yourself in one of the world's Chinatowns during
one, you can consider yourself lucky. Celebrations include lion
dances, fireworks, parades, music and laughter. You'll enjoy
seeing the true spirit of the Chinese people as they come
together to celebrate and honor their history and culture.
About the author:
Jay is the web owner of http://www.Rental-Cars-In.com
that provides information and resources on rental cars,
vacations, airfare, hotels, and travel. You can visit his
website at: http://www.hotels-in.net
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