PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

When you think of Chinatown you may just think of one particular place. What you’ll find though is both Old Chinatown and New Chinatown, both with their different exotic sights, incredible smells of authentic Chinese food, and the many different shops and stores that hold treasures for everyone.

Walking the streets of Chinatown is by far the best way to get around. It is a simple trolley ride on the Gold line or you could take the Dash Minibus B from downtown Los Angeles. You can jump off right as you get to the base of Chinatown and you’re on your way.

With the many shops, restaurants, and décor of the architecture, the color and appearance makes it a popular tourist spot, as well as a place locals like to go to experience a culture that may be far from the norm in Los Angeles. You’ll know when you reach Chinatown by the landmark East Gate on N. Broadway. From there you can start your own self guided tour of Chinatown or you can take one of the many guided tours that lead you in to the most well sought after parts of Chinatown that few people know about.

You’ll most likely start with the Golden Pagoda which is about 50 feet high and one of the last newer buildings that was built in Chinatown. Although typically a tourist spot, it is a sight to behold. You can then make your way over to The Seven Star Cavern Wishing Well. With the magnificent architecture around this wishing well, it’ll be hard not to see the splendor of Chinatown in all of the old and new glory.

Meander your way through the alleys and you’ll find some of the most sought after Chinese herbs that have been used traditional Chinese medicine and teas for thousands of years. Fresh and ready to be bought, you’ll learn quite a bit about prolonging your life with the likes of ginseng root, pearl pills, and even gecko lizards.

For a little fun you should stop by the fortune cookie factory and see how they are really made. Sure, it’s a little self indulgent, but who doesn’t want to know how those tiny papers really get in those cookies? While you are being self indulgent, it may be time to eat by now. The Stockton Street food market is just the place to stop. Whether it’s Dim Sum you’re craving or a more exotic cuisine that you have yet to try, you’ll find it here. You may even pick up a few authentic foods to take home and try to make yourself.

For the art and history lover, Chung King Road is a must. They will do art openings in the evening that give you a chance to enjoy the beautiful and moving pieces of art. After you take in your fair share of culture you can hit the bars or more restaurants to talk late into the night with your friends. Chinatown is more than just a place to buy silk; it is a cornucopia of knowledge, food, culture, and fun.