SUBSCRIBE! http://tinyurl.com/p2fveuj California travel expert Veronica Hill of http://www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com tours Chinatown Los Angeles in this episode of "California Travel Tips." When you think of Chinatown, colorful paper lanterns, delightful dim sum and fierce Chinese dragons may come to mind. The truth is, Chinatown Los Angeles has all of that and more. Established in 1938, LA's New Chinatown along Broadway and Hill streets, makes a fun and exotic day trip. Chinatown history dates back to 1852, when the Chinese arrived in Los Angeles. Located on the site of Union Station, Old Chinatown fell into disrepair during the mid 1910s, and it was demolished. Today, Chinatown LA is home to more than 15,000 Asian residents, who live, play and worship here every day. The Taoist temple on Yale Street is one of the largest and the most beautiful in Southern California. Here, worshippers pray to the goddess of the seas, lighting incense and offering up fruit and vegetables, which are used to feed the poor. During Chinese New Year, oranges are offered at this temple's altar for good luck and fortune. The celebration continues with crackling fireworks and a festive Chinese New Year parade with colorful dragons, flags and dancers along North Broadway. The event draws more than 50,000 spectators a year. One of the best things about Chinatown in LA is the performances by the Shaolin monks from the Henan province of China. These incredibly talented kung fu masters perform the first and third Sunday of each month in Central Plaza. At 628 W. College St., you can check out the former Bruce Lee martial arts studio. This was his third (and final) kung fu training academy in the United States. Central Plaza's Gin Ling Way, named for the street of Golden Treasures in Old Peking, is colorful mix of Chinese restaurants, fortune tellers, art galleries and amusements. You may even see a Chinese contortionist act. While you're in Central Plaza, don't miss the colorful Chinese dragon mural painted by Tyrus Wong, then throw a coin for luck at the Seven Star Sacred Caverns wishing pool. The five-tiered Hop Louie Pagoda was built in 1941. Chinatown shopping choices are endless. Check out Realm, one of Chinatown's hip new home stores, then pick up some Chinese art or jade jewelry at the K.G. Louie Company, a gift shop dating back to 1935. At Sincere Imports, you'll discover Chinese lanterns, masks and other fun souvenirs. Did you know the fortune cookie was invented right here in Los Angeles in 1916? Created by George Jung of the Hong Kong Noodle Company, these sweet treats are still made fresh daily in Chinatown's Wonder Bakery, where you'll also find some great Boba tea. You can't leave Chinatown without indulging in some good Chinese food. Just be sure the restaurant you go to has an A in the window. Anything less won't do! My picks for the best Chinatown restaurants are Yang Chow, known for its slippery shrimp, and, for the best dim sum in Chinatown, the Empress Pavilion. Follow this up with a slice of strawberry whipped cream cake at Phoenix Bakery, and your meal is complete. Everything old is new again, and Chinatown is quickly becoming an LA hot spot. In fact, Brad Pitt was recently seen at Central Plaza's Mountain Bar, and director Quentin Tarantino now owns the historic King Hing Theater. Word has it that Tarantino plans to catalog, restore and showcase vintage Chinese and kung fu movies in the 425-seat theater, but the building still sits empty. If you're looking for a fun alternative to California's standard tourist attractions, Chinatown won't disappoint. IF YOU GO... Los Angeles Chinatown directions: Take the 101 freeway and exit at Alameda Street near Union Station. Drive north to Broadway and park in the many lots (average $3-$5 per day) or Chinatown parking meters about town. Central Plaza is located on Gin Ling Way between Broadway and Hill streets near College St. For a Chinatown map, Chinatown events and updated Chinatown tour information, visit www.chinatownla.com or call the Chinatown Business Improvement District at (213) 680-0243. LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK http://tinyurl.com/nqx9osq CIRCLE ME ON GOOGLE PLUS http://tinyurl.com/odkmbqk FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/Californiatips FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM http://instagram.com/californiatraveltips BUY MY APPS! California Essential Guide App: ITUNES: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id428163062?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.ca.essential.guide568&hl;=en Yosemite Travel Essentials App: ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=606694986&mt;=8 DISNEYLAND INSIDER'S TRAVEL GUIDE ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/ua/app/disneyland-insiders-travel/id528739310?mt=8 GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sutromedia.android.guide.disney.guide&hl;=en

• published: 18 Feb 2009
• views: 241365