6 Best Things to Do in London Chinatown
What is London Chinatown Most Famous For?
The best things to do in London Chinatown are all about Eastern architecture and characterful eateries that showcase traditional Chinese delicacies. Spend a weekend here strolling atmospheric streets, decorated with red paper lanterns and admiring the glittering window displays.
When you’re not photographing the Qing Dynasty-style gates that frame each entrance, visit the immense stone lion on Gerrard Street, pick up exotic Chinese groceries at the famous Loon Fung supermarket or enjoy an upscale dim sum lunch at Plum Valley restaurant. The district is also home to the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia, complete with giant dragons, parade floats, dance troupes and martial arts.
What are the best things to do in London Chinatown?
1. Chinese New Year
An abundance of colour, culture and authentic cuisine
Ideal para: Famílias, Alimentação, Foto
Purported to be the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia, London’s Chinese New Year is held in the city’s atmospheric Chinatown neighbourhood. The highlight is the parade, which begins on Charing Cross Road, finishes on Shaftesbury Avenue and features a flamboyant gathering of lions and dragons, as well as floats, dance troupes and instrumentalists.
When you’re not marvelling at all the cultural theatrics, grab a seat at a local restaurant and sample delicious Asian delicacies including traditional dim sum. We love Good Friend Chicken for its Taiwanese crispy fried chicken and the Four Seasons for its legendary Chinese comfort food and Peking roast duck.
Chinese New Year
2. Dragon Boat Festival
High-octane sporting event held for a good cause
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Viagens alternativas
London’s annual Dragon Boat Festival is an unforgettable charitable spectacular, organised by the Chinatown Lions Club. Held every June at the Royal Docks, this epic aquatic race draws over 10,000 visitors to the banks of the River Thames where over 40 teams compete for a trophy to the rhythmic beating of drums.
When you’re not cheering on the dragon boats, you can sample scrumptious Asian street food from the festival’s many stalls before taking in traditional Chinese lion dancing and a musical performance. Make sure you try the zongzi, a sticky glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with taste-bud-tingling fillings like red beans and pork.
Localização: Royal Docks Watersports, 1012 Dockside Rd, London E16 2QT, UK
Dragon Boat Festival
3. Gerrard Street
Atmospheric throughfare dating back to the 17th century
Ideal para: Foto, Alimentação, História
Originally laid in the late 1600s, Chinatown’s Gerrard Street is synonymous with authentic Asian cuisine and traditional Chinese decor. Here, you’ll find a wealth of buzzy restaurants lining the lantern-festooned precinct, serving everything from classic Cantonese dishes to piping hot dim sum.
For a cheap and cheerful bite to eat, swing by Shu Xiang Ge Hot Pot for a fun cook-your-own meal, or head to the popular Golden Dragon for mouthwatering Canto and Beijing cuisine set across 2 spacious floors. The bamboo-panelled Leong’s Legend is also recommended for its tasty Taipei street food. Try the sea bass grilled with lotus roots or the roasted pork belly and rice bowl.
Gerrard Street
4. 1888 Mural & Landmark Attractions
Where art and history meet
Ideal para: Foto, História, Econômico
A large-scale mosaic that was first made public in 2008, the 1888 Mural celebrates London Chinatown’s rich and storied heritage, as envisioned by designer Wing Kei Wong. Comprised of 1888 photographs that were donated by the local community, this rice-bowl-shaped installation can be found just off Macclesfield Street in a historic little courtyard called the Horse and Dolphin Yard.
After you’ve admired the mural, wander the district’s charismatic streets to gaze at its architectural embellishments and prominent tourist sights. Don’t miss attractions like the Paifang archways, Wardour Street’s enormous lion sculpture and the abundance of ornamental designs and motifs on the buildings’ exteriors.
Localização: Horse & Dolphin Yard, Westminster, London, W1D 5AZ, UK
1888 Mural & Landmark Attractions
5. Loon Fung supermarket
Legendary food hall
Ideal para: Alimentação, História, Compras
A mainstay of Chinatown’s food scene for over half a century, Loon Fung Supermarket stocks a wide variety of imported edibles from China, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan and Vietnam. Come here to shop for exotic fruits and veggies, freshly caught seafood, butcher-fresh meat and sweet and spicy condiments.
London’s professional chefs flock to Loon Fung for its impressive selection of quality cookware, as well as its crockery and kitchen tools. When you’ve splashed some serious cash, head next door to its sister enterprise, the New Loon Fung Restaurant, where you can savour over 100 eclectic dishes from regions like Sichuan.
Localização: G/F, 42-44 Gerrard St, London, W1D 5QG, UK
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)2074 377332
Loon Fung supermarket
6. Plum Valley
Delicious food and musical fun
Ideal para: Alimentação, Foto, Luxo
For all-day dim sum head to Plum Valley restaurant on historic Gerrard Street, home of Chinatown’s most exciting eateries. Family run since the 1980s, this Cantonese culinary institution is the number 1 place to go when you’re hankering after dumplings in a romantic, ambient interior featuring red paper lanterns, geometric window grills and plush leather seats.
Prepared by 7 specialist chefs, Plum Valley’s delicate dim sum are stuffed with delectable ingredients like crystal prawns, Lo Han vegetables, quail eggs and crabmeat. If you’re with a group, hire an elegant private room for a fabulous feast and a night of karaoke. Book online via the restaurant’s official website.
Localização: 20 Gerrard St, London, W1D 6JQ, UK
Abre: Sunday–Thursday from noon to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from noon to midnight
Telefone: +44 (0)2074 944366
Plum Valley
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