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London’s Chinatown in the SOHO District

This is my first time to visit London’s Chinatown. I just happen to walk here after spending an afternoon on Oxford Street and Covent Garden. It has a very ethnic and authentic feel about the place but of course with a twist of British charm.

Fairly small in size, just about 4 blocks, the area is very busy, it is always swarming with locals and tourists alike here. To exemplify the identity of the area there is a pagoda constructed with a golden roof. Something like the cherry on top of the icing so to speak.

‘Gerrard Street’ is the main street and the area is very close to Leicester Square.

The original Chinatown (late 19th century to early 20th century) is located in the East End of London which is on the other side of the metropolis. It was rumored to house opium dens, which back then smoking opium was a very popular degenerate pastime for thrill seekers. This was long before the hippies discovered sex, drugs and rock n’ roll, and er, peace as well *wink*. The Chinese community suffered a dramatic decline after Second World War and thus affecting the business in the area. For some reason, the newer generation relocated to SOHO, which is present day Chinatown.

So what else can I say? This was a little nice and unexpected diversion. I am loving especially the colours of the lanterns here.

Here is where it is on the London map:

As you can see, the main street, Gerrard Street is very near to Leicester Square. The whole community of 4 blocks is between Leicester and Shaftesbury.

Tokyo isn’t in China or near anything Chinese huh. But anywhere outside Asia, all Asian stuff and cuisine are usually lumped together. For most Europeans anyway, an Asian is the same as the other Asian, although in Asia you’d get a heated debate about this, for sure.

The colour red in Chinese symbolises good fortune and joy. In the Philippines we have many Chinese friends and their customs and traditions have influenced much our family. My mom for example wants us to always wear red during birthdays.

 

Quite busy here, huh. The crowds passing on this small alley just kept coming through.

The little pavilion in London’s small Chinatown. This area of Soho used to be rundown. Now it is a lively place with lots of Chinese stores, souvenir shops, bakery and restaurants.

 

This is a great place to have some late night Chinese food after watching the theatre shows at Leicester Square.

Travel Period: March 2015
Destination: Soho, City of Westminster (London – England), United Kingdom

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