Chinatown in London – How it all began?
Chinatown is a small settlement of the Chinese people, which is, practically, in every big city in the world. But today we will talk about London. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Town of Tea in London was in the port area of Limehouse, which was part of the East End working area. What attracted Chinese immigrants to there, as the main earnings for them were the service of Chinese seamen in Docklands. It was not the best district. People lived in the slums, the drug trade flourished. You’ll still find some old timers.
The Birth of Modern Chinatown in London:
Since the 70s, the Chinatown began to emerge in the West End, a part of the Soho district. There was a huge number of cafes, supermarkets, restaurants with different cuisines. But, over time, they were all replaced by restaurants with traditional Chinese cuisine and Chinese souvenir shops, gifts, as well as various products and goods from China.
London Tea Town:
Today the Chinatown has concentrated near Gerrard Street in the entertainment district of Soho. Of course, the population consists of Chinese people. For them, a special residential complex is built – Vale Royal House, equipped with an underground parking. But many live and work in their shops and restaurants, as the prices for their services and goods are low. And to survive, they must work almost round the clock and without days off. However, this does not affect their goodwill and hospitality. Coming here, you can always be sure that you are happy.
What is so remarkable?
The streets of Chinatown are always very lively, full of signs and plaques with inscriptions of Chinese hieroglyphs and in English. Houses and buildings are distinguished by architecture, decorated with garlands, lanterns, light bulbs and this creates an atmosphere of an eternal holiday and exotics. People walk around, smile, have fun, which immerses them in an indescribable positive atmosphere and a special aura of the area. Here you can taste the most delicious and authentic dishes of Chinese and Asian cuisine. Peking duck, fried piglets, stewed octopus and many other traditional Chinese dishes.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices for all meals are much lower than in a cafe or restaurant outside the tea-town. For example, dinner can be only 6-8 pounds. And, strangely enough, despite the low prices, the quality of cooking and their taste qualities beyond praise.
Chinese New Year in the London Tea-Town:
This is the annual celebration of the New Year according to the Chinese calendar, which is held in the London Tea Town from 9-10th February. If you are lucky enough to get into this dizzying performance, you’ll never forget it in your life. On this fabulous night along the streets March columns of colourful dancing lions and dragons, combined with gong blows, fireworks and lanterns, performances of acrobats and puppet theatres. You can enjoy watching performances of martial artists. An exhibition of photos is also held, which describes in detail the life of Beijing, the festival of Chinese cinematography and many other interesting ideas.
Is it worth visiting this place?
After reading our article, you yourself can answer this question: the unforgettable atmosphere of the Chinatown will plunge you into the world of Beijing, the flavours of delicious food, street decorations, benevolent barkers, crowds of tourists and the Chinese themselves, all this cannot be expressed in words. It is necessary to see this with your own eyes, absorb the spirit and mood of life and the holiday of the Chinatown district.
