Since the new Immigration Act in 1965, a steady stream of Chinese immigrants has flowed into Manhattan to claim it as their own. The garment industry in particular has been dramatically affected, gradually moving from its base in the Garment District above 34th Street into Chinatown. Built on the site of what were once Manhattan’s worst slums in the late 1800s,and portrayed in Martin Scorcese’s film Gangs of New York, the heart of Chinatown is Matt Street, with Mulberry, Canal and Bayard streets also an important part of this colorful area.

It can be a little overwhelming at first to be faced with a mass of licensed and unlicensed street traders, selling everything from fake watches to pretty satin slippers. This is, of course, the area to head to for superb Chinese cuisine, with hundreds of restaurants packed into just a few blocks. But there’s also so much more to this area than great food.

The bustling market on Canal Street is the place to head for bargains, from food to clothes, while the numerous gift shops are excellent places to pick up beautiful Chinese artwork and
homeware. Drop by Kam Man grocery store at 200 Canal Street, which stocks everything from plucked ducks to lychee jelly snacks. The store is one of the largest of its kind in the area and is a fascinating place to explore. There’s an important historical aspect to Chinatown that can easily be forgotten amid the hectic pace of everyday street life.

Cultural gems that can be found while wandering include the Eastern States Buddhist Temple at 64 Mott Street, which contains more than 100 golden Buddhas. Also worth checking is the Wall of Democracy on Baynard Street, which is festooned with posters and newspaper cuttings documenting the changing situation in China. Colombus Park, at the corner of Mulberry and Baynard streets offers an opportunity to unwind in a green oasis and watch Chinatown’s residents play Chinese checkers (draughts) beneath the trees. You know you’ve reached Confucius Plaza when you see the towering sculpture of the famous Oriental philosopher.

Close by in Chatham Square lies a memorial to the Chinese-Americans who lost their lives at war. The Bowery Savings Bank on the crossing of Bowery and Grand Street is a conspicuous building amid the pagoda-topped houses and ornate telephone boxes. Erected in the 1890s, its neoclassical exterior contrasts Sharply with modern-day Chinatown and is worth taking a look at.

Chinese New Year, which takes place in January and February every year, is one of the best times to visit the neighborhood. The area comes alive with the sound of joyous singing, fireworks and parades winding through the streets.