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East Meets West -- Chinatowns of the World
China 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.
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