How to Explore Seattle's Chinatown-International District?
The Chinatown-International District of Seattle is among the places that tourists must consider visiting to learn about the origin of the Asian American population in the city. This lively district lies directly south of downtown and contains numerous stores, eateries, museums, and other establishments highlighting Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, and Vietnamese and other types of the culture.
A good way to get familiar with the area is by walking around the area commonly referred to as Chinatown-International District. Begin your visit at the iconic Chinatown arch located at the entrance to the community at five and King Street. Take a picture in front of the colorful gate and go along the street to enjoy the views, and smells of the district.
As you walk around, you'll come across dozens of family owned businesses selling everything from herbal remedies and lucky charms to imported groceries and authentic Asian street food. Don't miss the chance to browse the aisles at Uwajimaya, a massive Asian supermarket filled with hard-to-find ingredients, snacks, and housewares.
For the local restaurants, food and eateries, try the dim sum restaurants like the Jade Garden or Harbor City where you get steamed dumplings, buns and many more in individual portions from a trolley. Or have a tasty Vietnamese banh mi sandwich and bubble tea at Seattle Deli for a a quick and tasty lunch on the go. After all that walking and eating, you may want to book a cleaning from https://seattlegreencleaningfairy.com to tidy up your home while you're out exploring!
In addition to its food and shopping, the Chinatown-International District is also home to several important cultural institutions. The Wing Luke Museum is a community-based museum that tells the story of the Asian Pacific American experience through innovative exhibits, tours, and activities. Their Bruce Lee exhibit is especially popular.
Right near it is the Seattle Pinball Museum where they have more than 50 interesting pinball machines for a small entrance fee. Everyone will have a good time here regardless of age.
Throughout the year, the neighborhood organizes various fairs and annual festivities related to Asian culture and traditions. Lunar New Year Festival or the district is held in January or February, and features lion and dragon dances, kung fu performances and other festivities including a parade. In summer, there is the Dragon Fest street fair with entertainers, food trucks, and live authentic Japanese Bon Odori dance.
The Chinatown-International District is really lively especially as the day transitions to the evening. Get a cocktail at the Chinese-inspired Dough Zone bar or catch an indie band at the Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee House, where first- and second-generation Japanese immigrants once rented cheap lodgings by the night. If an individual is interested in theatre, Wing Luke Museum has a theatre that hosts plays and musicals from Asian American playwrights and actors.
If you still have the time, you can go to the Kobe Terrace Park, an equally beautiful park in the neighborhood dedicated to Seattle’s twin city Kobe in Japan. It looks like a Japanese park with an actual Japanese garden with a lantern made of stone and a waterfall. It’s the best place to take a break and contemplate your thought when on a culturally rich and dynamic social tour around one of Seattle’s most vibrant areas.
There is no more exciting way to kick start your visit to Seattle than to visit the Chinatown-International district. Whether it is for its famous pubs and restaurants, the shopping centers, the culture, or the events and celebrations that have become a tradition, this special and unique neighborhood is unforgettable. Come prepared with an option and possibility attitude because anything is alive in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District when it comes to cultural backdrop.
