Chinatown is a neighborhood in Manhattan that has a large population of Chinese immigrants. This is the result of immigration policies of the late 1800s, but today it is a vibrant community, so make sure you jump in your Manhattan car rental or SUV rental and visit Chinatown while you are here!

The approximate borders of Chinatown today are Delancey Street to the North (which borders the East Village and SoHo), East Broadway to the east, Broadway to the west, and Chambers Street to the south. The total area is about one mile north-south and two miles east-west.

Get to the root of the neighborhood

Chinatown was started when immigration policies greatly restricted the number of Chinese settlers on the West Coast. Some Chinese immigrants moved to the East Coast in search of employment opportunities. Many started hand laundries and restaurants. By 1870, there was a Chinese population of 200 here and by 1900 there were 7,000 Chinese residents.

When you visit you may learn that the early days of Chinatown were dominated by "tongs" or associations. They were a mix of clans, political alliances, and crime syndicates. They offered protection from harassment due to the prevalent anti-Chinese racism of the time. Each association was also aligned with a street gang for protection. Because of gang warfare, this was the most dangerous slum area for immigrants in New York.

Go underground

Many of the businesses in Chinatown operate in the underground economy. Wages are below minimum wage and transactions are done in cash (which you will want to make sure you have when you visit). A large number of immigrants to New York are employed here when they are unable to find work elsewhere. Tourism and restaurants are a vital part of keeping this community alive - make sure you visit Chinatown.

Get there early to make the best finds

Green grocers and fish mongers are clustered around Mulberry Street, Canal Street, and along East Broadway. If jewelry is what you are looking for, then you will want to head for the shop district on Canal Street between Mott and Bowery. West of Broadway you will find the vendors who sell imitation perfumes, watches, and hand bags.

Work and play

What makes this Chinatown unique compared to other cities it that it is both a residential area and commercial area. It is difficult to estimate the population in the area because of language barriers and illegal immigration. As older generations of Chinese immigrants gain language skills and education, they tend to move out of the area to better areas of the city. Some of the living accommodations in Chinatown are more than 100 years old.

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