Chinatown, New York City - Video tour of Chatham Square, MOCA & Columbus Park

Today David Hill with New York Habitat http://www.nyhabitat.com is going to show you a fascinating New York neighborhood, Chinatown. Chinatown is located on the East Side of Lower Manhattan. Let's discover makes this area so special.

Make sure to check New York Habitat blog for more information about Chinatown http://www.nyhabitat.com/blog/2009/07/08/video-tour-of-chinatown-new-york/


Chatham Square:
What better place to start our tour of Chinatown than in Chatham Square. Once a large open air market in the early 1800's, it became a center for tattoo parlors, flophouses, and saloons in the mid 1800's, but today has turned into a major intersection in Chinatown. You'll find the Kimlau Memorial Arch dedicated to Chinese Americans in the name of freedom and democracy.

Chinatown's History and Landmarks:
On Mott Street, just a few blocks away from Chatam Square, is where in 1858 the Cantonese businessman, Ah Ken, became the first Chinese to immigrate to Chinatown. He eventually opened a successful cigar shop and from that point on, a steady stream of Chinese started settling in the area.
When the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was enacted the Chinese population in this small neighborhood exploded. Today Chinatown's population is estimated around 100,000.

The MoCA:
You may have heard of New York's famous museum, the MoMA, but while you're in Chinatown, be sure to visit the MoCA, the Museum of Chinese in America. At the museum, you'll learn more about the history and culture of Chinese America.

Columbus Park:
Columbus Park is the largest park in Chinatown and it is a meeting place for locals. If you're a morning person, wander around Columbus Park and you'll get to see locals gathering for Tai Chi. While passing by during the afternoon, you'll find fortune tellers and people playing table games. Moreover, many festivals and outdoor events are organized there every summer.

Mahayana Buddhist Temple:
A visit to Chinatown wouldn't be complete if you don't go to The Mahayana Buddhist temple. Inside you'll find the largest Statue of Buddha rests there seated on a lotus flower. Don't miss it, public services are held on weekends!

If you're planning a trip to New York, be sure to consider renting a vacation rental http://www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment/vacation through New York Habitat. We have apartments http://www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment.html here in Chinatown, plus dozens of Bed & Breakfast http://www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment/bed-breakfast located throughout the New York area.
A great example is this one bedroom Chinatown accommodation (NY-14156) http://www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment/vacation/14156
We also have this cool 1 bedroom loft vacation rental in Chinatown right on Canal Street (NY-12282) http://www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment/vacation/12282

Edward Mooney Townhouse:
Speaking of townhouses, did you know that the oldest townhouse in Manhattan is found in Chinatown? It's located at the corner of Bowery and Pell St. Built in 1785 it's been a tavern, a store, a hotel and today it is a bank.

Shopping scene:
So we've looked at some of the rich history and culture of Chinatown. Now it's time to get down to shopping. Chinatown remains one of the best areas in New York City to find deals on jewelry, purses, bags, hats, tee shirts... the list goes on. So sharpen your bargaining skills and head over to Canal Street for some true Chinatown shopping. Chances are, you won't leave empty handed.
And beyond the designer knock-offs, you'll also find Asian styled products. Many boutiques throughout Chinatown offer authentic clothes at affordable prices. In addition, you'll find art and antique stores that offer typical furniture from China.

I hope you've enjoyed our tour of Chinatown. Of course, there's a lot more to see and do here. If I've missed any of you're favorite Chinatown secrets, be sure to share them by leaving a comment below.
If you're planning a trip to New York, do yourself a favor, skip the boring hotel and rent a furnished apartment through New York Habitat. Hopefully this video has given you an introduction to New York City's Chinatown and you will consider joining us in an apartment in Chinatown soon.

Be sure to check out our other neighborhood video tours to learn more about New York City such as Soho http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPflq6u9YWk or Greenwich Village http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFa9ppu8fEY .

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[Ken5imaging]

Pell & Bowery was also an OTB

[NewYorkHabitat]

@Ken5imaging You are right, seems like it also was once an OTB office (Off Track Betting office), a place that took bets on horse races. They even took bets in Chinese!

[montgal52]

Is there a Chinese language version? I want to send this to a friend in China.

[NewYorkHabitat]

@montgal52 Sorry, we don't have Chinese subtitles for that video. Maybe you can help him by translating some parts of the text :) ?

[NewYorkHabitat]

We agree! and there are so many great places to eat as well!

[calito0010]

Where can I buy fruit, asian fruit? someone help!!!!

[NewYorkHabitat]

@calito0010 Hey there! Thanks for interest in our video :) There are fruit street vendors everywhere in Chinatown, they sell all kind of fruit. I am sure you'll find what you're looking for!

[sycowu]

haha i found myself in this video

[NewYorkHabitat]

@lumthegreat I must say, Chinatown is a common stop for me when showing visiting friends the different neighborhoods of New York. There's an electric, frenetic and even frantic energy in Chinatown that you won't feel anywhere else in the city. One thing I've never felt there is danger.

History leaves no doubt that the Chinatown of the late 60s and on into the 70s was strongly controlled by rival gangs. But those gangs, today, have all but disappeared.

[erjan0430]

looked really messy

[jade1ucas]

I love Chinatown! I go to New York almost every month, and always end up going there and buying lots of veggies and fruits, it's a really good place to just walk, and see, and learning different things.

[calito0010]

@NewYorkHabitat Thank you bro, am craving for juicy asian fruit, am looking specially for lychees and Lilikoi. YUM YUM!