I Went Exploring in LA Chinatown and Found These Hidden Gems

Chinatown Los Angeles was founded in the 1850s by Chinese immigrants who came to California during the Gold Rush. The neighborhood quickly grew as more Chinese immigrants arrived in search of work and opportunities. Chinatown was once a thriving commercial and residential district, but it began to decline in the mid-20th century due to factors such as urban renewal and freeway construction. However, in recent years, Chinatown has experienced a resurgence and is now a popular tourist destination. Central Plaza is the heart of Chinatown and is a popular spot for people-watching and enjoying the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.
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[@YellowProductions]

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[@bmariner7319]

As I am watching this, flooded with memories of our time in LA Chinatown during the late 70s and early 80s, I can't help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia. Our family's business was more than just a livelihood; it was a cornerstone of our lives, filled with bustling energy and cherished moments. I remember the days when tourists would flock to our establishment, eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown. The streets were alive with activity, and our business was always bustling with customers. It was a time of excitement and possibility, and I felt so proud to be a part of it all. Weekends were particularly special for me. While my family worked tirelessly, I would eagerly hang out in the shop, soaking in the sights and sounds of Chinatown. The aroma of delicious food wafting through the air, friends and families enjoying their time together-it was a scene straight out of a storybook. But what I remember most fondly are the moments spent with my best friends. We would explore every nook and cranny of Chinatown, discovering hidden gems and indulging in the rich culture that surrounded us. The Chinese Kung Fu movie theaters were our sanctuary, where we would lose ourselves in the magic of cinema for hours on end. Those were the days. Now, as I reflect on those cherished memories, I find myself longing to go back in time, if only for a moment. To relive those carefree days, surrounded by the warmth and familiarity of Chinatown, would be a dream come true. Though our family business may be a thing of the past, the memories we created together will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience the magic of Chinatown, and for instilling in me a love for our heritage that continues to this day.

[@BallisticBBQ]

Hop Louie closed way before COVID hit; it's very sad because it's such a fantastic building. If you'd like to see some neat Chinatown history that not many know about, there's a video on the PBS SoCal KZbin channel called "Chinatown Punk Wars | Artbound | Season 14, Episode 1 | PBS SoCal" that is worth watching. Interesting and, at times, funny.

[@scottman895]

LA's Chinatown looks quite impressive! I like all the mix of historical architecture, numerous shops, and great food places!

[@dtna]

Please do not keep any valuables in your car around there. Several cars are broken into around L.A. Chinatown. My friend's grandfather started "New Chinatown" in Los Angeles.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tip

[@IronMkT682]

Wow the Saigon Plaza looks so neat. Never knew about it, but now I do thanks to your video! Thanks Chris!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks. I've always seen it from the street but never walked in until the day I made this video 😀

[@angelicasoup638]

I haven’t been to the Chinatown in 10 years big changed.Thank you for your hard working videos.

[@NostalgiaMan]

I was just in China town in NYC but this looks pretty cool also. Hey Chris if you are ever in NYC go to a Chinese place called Wo Hop restaurant. It is awesome.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tip on Wo Hop!

[@jameshiga8077]

Hi Chris. Thank you for the walking tour. I agree that you should check out all the shops, especially the restaurants. Sometimes I have found some great places with delicious items. Take care.

[@helenstratigos4862]

Love it! 🏮

[@gilbertocarmona6295]

Nice place, fantastic day (no clouds in the sky!)

[@gregarizmendez5275]

Awesome video . I grew up going here. I love the wing wa hing gift store.

[@gumerzambrano]

Thanks for coming up all the way from Irvine to film content (: I don't think I would drive that far south. Have a great day Chris (:

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Gumer.. only so much stuff to see in the OC 😀

[@artvandellay4088]

Your a Hidden Gem!

[@YellowProductions]

Awww

[@peanutbutterrobot]

Haven't been there since 2008. Sad to see so many changes, but still looks nice.

[@rememberthatyoumustdie]

Fun fact: Hop Louie was used as an area for filming Beverly Hills Ninja (1997) starring Chris Farley. The scene features a ninja going undercover as a hibachi chef to gather information on a Counterfeiter. It’s very funny and wacky, I really recommend it. Although the scene was supposed to take place in little Tokyo, they decided to film in Chinatown instead.

[@YellowProductions]

Neat

[@mkho0505]

would love a video on SGV area

[@geogent6655]

Used to order dim sum from the walk up window at Grandview Gardens restaurant all the time and threw more coins in the "wishing fountain" than I can count...

[@oSnapMillerTime]

Is it always sunny like that?

[@cami_ille]

It's often sunny, yes. Sometimes there will be a marine layer coming in that makes it foggy or overcast. SoCal has a reputation for having very little rain.

[@YellowProductions]

I'd say it's sunny like this about 300 days a year

[@allenpaul102]

Another thing to keep in mind if you do use the street metered parking, the meter maids are very quick to give you a ticket. I mean within 5 mins of time expiring.

[@YellowProductions]

Yeah. They're ruthless!

[@charlesswitzer8378]

Taking my first trip to LA next March, and Chinatown is a long-standing must-see for me. Thanks for this tour!

[@YellowProductions]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@charlesswitzer8378]

@@YellowProductions Thanks! I am going through all of your LA videos 🙂

[@YellowProductions]

Sweet!

[@roachtoasties]

Obstetricians look at your eyes (15:30)? That's news to me. You meant opticians, but they mainly help customers with eyewear, and work with an optometrist . I once went into the live poultry place (13:25) and tried to take a picture. The worker or owner there got mad at me (No pictures! No pictures). I just left. L.A.'s Chinatown is kind of lacking, but it is what it is. There's always Philippe's down Ord Street if you're not in the mood for Chinese food.

[@YellowProductions]

Hah. Yes.. opticians! 😀

[@cheerios4canaries]

The best authentic Chinese food is definitely in the SGV 😅❤

[@YellowProductions]

Mmmm

[@galileykwong7017]

It is better to travel using Amtrak to L.A.

[@YellowProductions]

Better than what? 😀 If you're doing LA to San Diego the Amtrak is a great option

[@user-pn7ri4ft1y]

It looks empty !!!!!!! What happened to the people???????

[@eddie9099]

You need to go to the San Gabriel Valley if you want authentic Chinese food.

[@YellowProductions]

For sure

[@helenstratigos4862]

Love it! 🏮