One of the three oriental style gateways

London has the largest Chinatown in Europe which is the the main cultural and business area for the Chinese community in London. Its three oriental style gateways welcome visitors and form the entrance to this distinctive area.

 Street signs are bi-lingual written in both English & Mandarin Chinese

Originally the 1800s, some of the Chinese sailors visiting the docks in London’s East End decided to settle there. The Chinese community has only been established in Soho since the 1950s. Today it’s a thriving area of about 200 businesses including restaurants, supermarkets, hair salons and Chinese herbal practitioners.

 Just one of the cake shops with their amazing window displays

Gerrard Street is the busy, main street but there are also delightful side-streets and alleyways just waiting to explored.  

Many visitors come to enjoy a meal at one the many Chinese and East Asian restaurants. It does not really matter which one you choose, part of the fun is trying a different restaurant each time. Some specialise in seafood or serve dim sum, a selection of tasty savoury and sweet treats in snack-size portions, such as dumplings and buns.

Kung Hei Fat Choi or Happy New Year

2014 is the Year of the Horse, one of the twelve animals represented in the Chinese calendar. 

Chinese New Year celebrations will be held on Sunday 2nd February 2014.

The celebrations in London are the largest outside of Asia. These events are free and family friendly. This year's celebrations take place in Chinatown, Shaftesbury Avenue and Trafalgar Square. In Chinatown there will be craft and food stalls throughout the day.

To explore Chinatown further book our Chinatown Now and Then walk.

For more information about Chinese New Year see Visit London.

If you liked this blog you might enjoy reading about other places to visit in Westminster.

The author of this blog is a qualified City of London and City of Westminster Tour Guide who leads guided walks combining world famous landmarks with hidden treasures often missed by the crowds.

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