London Chinatown

The basics

London’s Chinatown dates back to the early 20th century, but it was originally based in Limehouse in the East End. Chinatown moved to its current location in the 1970s, and today, Gerrard Street is at the center of a neighborhood where dozens of Asian restaurants can be found. The area is home to Japanese sushi bars, Korean eateries, and traditional teahouses, as well as Chinese supermarkets, reflexology and massage parlors, and Chinese medicine practitioners.

Chinatown is a stop on many London tours, including small-group and private walking tours around Soho, city sightseeing bicycle tours, pub tours and photography-focused walking tours. A great way to absorb Chinatown culture is to join an international food-focused tour of Soho and its surroundings; you’ll discover unusual eateries and hidden gems that are missed by most visitors.

Things to know before you go

• London Chinatown is a must-visit for those with an interest in diverse London culture and history.

• Many Chinatown dining establishments stay open offering chinese cuisine into the wee hours, so check them out after a show, or post-bar hopping around Leicester Square and Soho.

• Chinatown’s new fourth gate (on Wardour Street) is the biggest in the UK. It was completed in 2016 and built in traditional Qing Dynasty style.

• New Loon Moon and SeeWoo supermarkets carry unique ingredients for authentic Chinese cooking, making them must-visit spots for anyone looking to recreate traditional Asian dishes at home.

• London Chinatown is located in the West End, near Leicester Square and Soho, and the River Thames is about a 10–15 minute walk to the south. This proximity makes it easy to explore Chinatown and the Thames-side attractions like the London Eye, Southbank Centre, or Trafalgar Square in the same outing.

How to get there

The nearest Underground stations are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, both within a 5-minute walk of Chinatown and served by the Piccadilly, Northern, and Bakerloo Lines. Numerous bus routes serve the area, and taxis are always easy to find.

When to get there

This district is most lively after dark, when warm lights glow from the windows of busy restaurants. The best time of year to visit is during the Lunar New Year celebrations, when colorful decorations and street entertainment add to the atmosphere.

Unique celebrations

The Lunar New Year is an exciting time to visit Chinatown, especially on the 15th day when the Lantern Festival takes place. The bustling streets are full of vibrant lantern displays, traditional performances, and festive crowds celebrating the end of the New Year celebrations. This neighborhood also hosts other events throughout the year, such as Moon Fest, a weeklong harvest festival held in mid-fall, when celebrants eat mooncakes and watch traditional performances.

Ways to explore

London Chinatown is a stop on many London tours, including small-group and private walking tours, bike tours, historic pub tours, and photography-focused walking tours. A great way to absorb London Chinatown’s culture is to join an international food-focused tour of Soho and its surroundings; you’ll discover unusual eateries and hidden gems that you might miss wandering on your own. Many photography and Instagram-focused tours stop by Chinatown to capture its vivid decor, which looks particularly impressive when it’s lit up at night.

Accessibility

Wide and even walkways make London Chinatown wheelchair accessible, and most restaurants have step-free access to their ground floors.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Secure bag for valuables

What to wear

Jacket, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Unruly behaviour

Amenities

Shopping, bars, restaurants

Address

London Chinatown is wedged between some of Central London’s most vibrant areas, including the theatre-packed Shaftesbury Avenue and the neon-lit bars of Soho. It’s also close to Picadilly Circus, London’s answer to Times Square.

Driving

London Chinatown is mostly pedestrianized, so it’s virtually inaccessible by car. While driving is strongly discouraged in this part of the city due to charges and traffic, black cabs and rideshares can drop you off on Shaftesbury Avenue or at Seven Dials.

Public transportation

The nearest Underground stations are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, both within a 5-minute walk of Chinatown. The Piccadilly, Northern, and Bakerloo lines serve them.

Best times to visit

Visit London Chinatown in the evening when its red lanterns illuminate the night sky.

Best days to visit

Weekends are always busiest in Soho, so come on Tuesdays when fewer theaters have matinee performances and there are fewer people in the area.

Best months to visit

In September, London Chinatown celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival. Many of the bakeries and restaurants sell full moon cakes then.

Special events

For Chinese New Year (typically falling in late January through mid–February), Chinatown erupts into life with free parades and performances.