Chinatown is the mecca and heart of Chinese culture. It is the home of the first major Chinese enclave in the US. Despite initial acts of discrimination such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Chinese were able to grow and form a strong community. Filled with boutiques full of fashion, souvenir shops, general stores, karaoke lounges and, of course, a plethora of food eateries to satisfy one’s hunger, just about any and everything is available. Yet, such is just a snippet of what Chinatown has to offer.

As both a residential and commercial community, a tourist gets the best of both worlds. Walking up and down anywhere between Broome Street to the North, Allen Street to the East, Worth Street to the South and Lafayette Street to the West, one could get a sense of how the Chinese live, relax and play. If you walk pass Columbus Park you are sure to find the elders engaged in an intense game of chess. For the more “Americanized” Chinese youth you are sure to find them engaged in a game of handball at the Grand St. Park.

And last, but certainly not least, if you are a food avid, shall I just say, if you want to go to your early heaven, look no further than Chinatown. It has the delectable, authentic cuisine of China, minus the long plane ride. Not only is the food delicious but the possibilities unlimited. If you want to make a conservative choice one can simply go with the popular dumplings and bubble tea, might I say, two personal favorites of yours truly. If you want a traditional Chinese meal I would suggest you try a dim sum, a variety.

Then if food is not you thing, although I find such hard to believe, one could simply go to Chinatown to take in its marvelous history. There is Confucius Plaza, the Church of Transfiguration and Five Points just to name a few. Easily accessible from Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan’s east and west side via the 6, Z, D, B, N, Q, R, J,  and M, there is no reason not to go and experience something new, different and historical.