Chinatown Central Plaza Los Angeles
Explore the vibrant heart of LA's Chinatown, featuring iconic landmarks, unique shops, and delicious Asian cuisine.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shops are open, vibrant atmosphere
Chinatown Central Plaza Los Angeles
Best Time
Shops are open, vibrant atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the vibrant heart of LA's Chinatown, featuring iconic landmarks, unique shops, and delicious Asian cuisine.
"A must-visit for its unique blend of culture, history, and culinary delights."
🎯 Shop Before 5 PM
Many shops close around 5-6 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to catch them open. Restaurants stay open later.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The plaza is best explored on foot. Be prepared to walk and discover hidden gems.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Central Plaza
Heart of Chinatown
The vibrant core of Chinatown, featuring iconic architecture, shops, and the famous Bruce Lee statue.

Bruce Lee Statue
Chinatown Central Plaza
A must-see landmark honoring the legendary martial artist and actor. A popular photo spot for visitors.

Unique Boutiques
Chinatown Central Plaza
Discover charming shops selling stationery, gifts, and local crafts. Perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

Aura Photos
Chinatown Central Plaza
Experience a unique spiritual reading with aura photography for a memorable and insightful visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Chinatown's Charm
Embrace the Walkability
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Shop Before 5 PM
Many shops close around 5-6 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to catch them open. Restaurants stay open later.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The plaza is best explored on foot. Be prepared to walk and discover hidden gems.
🚇 Use Public Transport
The metro is a convenient way to reach Chinatown, making it easy to access and explore.
🍰 Try Phoenix Bakery
Don't miss out on their famous strawberry cake – a local favorite!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Shop Before 5 PM
Many shops close around 5-6 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to catch them open. Restaurants stay open later.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The plaza is best explored on foot. Be prepared to walk and discover hidden gems.
🚇 Use Public Transport
The metro is a convenient way to reach Chinatown, making it easy to access and explore.
🍰 Try Phoenix Bakery
Don't miss out on their famous strawberry cake – a local favorite!
🍤 Taste Yang Chow's Shrimp
Legendary for their 'slippery shrimp,' a must-try dish for any visitor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Chinatown Central Plaza for its unique cultural atmosphere, vibrant architecture, and the iconic Bruce Lee statue. The culinary scene, with legendary spots like Yang Chow and Phoenix Bakery, is a major draw. However, some find the area can feel quiet in the evenings as shops close early, and a few mention a sense of gentrification impacting its traditional feel.
"Being part Chinese myself, I wanted to check out this neighborhood. San Francisco's Chinatown gets all the positive press and popularity. However, LA Chinatown deserves a lot of the positive press and attention that San Francisco gets. The area and streets were tidy and there were many shops. I even got to buy some authentic pineapple cakes and tea, while practicing my Mandarin. They absolutely love it when you practice with them. I didn't get to experience any of the restaurants, but I do want to come back. I highly suggest visiting this Chinatown. The metro station was beautifully designed too."
John Kou
"We totally missed Chinatown on Sunday during regular hours, but guess what? We stumbled upon this incredible street full of locals having karaoke and enjoying delicious local food. It was an absolute blast! It was super entertaining and a truly unique experience!"
Stephania Pinto
"Taken 8/20/25 Beautiful Architecture, safe at least till 9. Beautiful park alongside the A-line just north father Chinatown station. There is a Bruce Lee Memorial on Broadway"
Miles J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Chinatown Central Plaza is by using public transportation. The Metro Rail's Gold Line has a Chinatown station right at the plaza. Driving is also an option, but parking can be challenging.
Yes, you can drive to Chinatown Central Plaza, but parking can be limited and sometimes expensive. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or public transit to avoid parking hassles.
Chinatown Central Plaza is very walkable. Once you arrive, you can easily explore the shops, restaurants, and attractions on foot.
Yes, Union Station, a beautiful historic train station, is a short walk away and worth checking out. The LA State Historic Park is also nearby for a relaxing stroll.
Chinatown Central Plaza is generally considered safe for visitors, especially during daytime hours when it's more populated. As with any urban area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Chinatown Central Plaza. It's a public pedestrian mall, and you can freely explore its shops and public spaces.
The plaza itself is always accessible, but individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours. Most shops are open during the day, typically closing around 5-6 PM, while restaurants remain open later.
While the plaza itself doesn't require tickets, some specific attractions like Aura Photos at @auragami.la may require advance appointments. It's best to check with individual businesses.
While not as common as in some other tourist areas, you might find local guides or walking tours that cover Chinatown. It's worth checking local tour operator websites or asking at visitor information centers.
You can visit Chinatown Central Plaza at night, but many of the shops will be closed. The restaurants will be open, offering a different, more subdued atmosphere.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a variety of shops, including those selling unique stationery, gifts, souvenirs, traditional Chinese goods, and local crafts.
Don't miss Yang Chow for their famous 'slippery shrimp' and Phoenix Bakery for their legendary strawberry cake. Many other authentic Chinese restaurants offer a wide range of delicious options.
Yes, Thank You Coffee is a popular spot located within Chinatown Central Plaza, offering good coffee and a pleasant atmosphere.
Explore the various boutiques and shops within Central Plaza for unique items like stationery, art, and handcrafted goods that make great souvenirs.
Many Chinese restaurants offer a variety of vegetable-based dishes that can often be made vegetarian or vegan. It's always a good idea to ask your server about options.
📸 📸 Photography & Sights
The Bruce Lee Statue is a prime photo opportunity. The unique architecture of the plaza, vintage neon signs, and colorful shops also make for great shots.
The statue honors the iconic martial artist and actor Bruce Lee, who had a significant impact on martial arts and film. It's a popular landmark for fans and visitors.
Chinatown has a burgeoning art scene, with galleries often found on Chung King Road. It's worth checking local listings for current exhibitions.
Cakeland LA is a unique, immersive art installation located in Chinatown Central Plaza, featuring kaleidoscopic and whimsical exhibits. Advanced tickets are usually required.
Chinatown Central Plaza features distinctive Chinese-style architecture, including pagodas, ornate roofs, and traditional motifs, creating a unique visual experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when the area is most lively. While dining, many Chinese restaurants offer kid-friendly options. For a sweet treat, Phoenix Bakery's strawberry cake is a hit with all ages. Keep in mind that the area is best explored on foot, so ensure children are comfortable walking or bring a stroller.
🚶 Budget Travelers
For affordable eats, explore the numerous local bakeries and casual eateries that offer delicious and inexpensive meals. Trying a slice of cake from Phoenix Bakery or a quick bite from a food stall can be very budget-friendly. Public transportation, like the Metro, is also an economical way to reach the area, saving on transportation costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for opportunities to capture the vintage neon signs, the intricate details of the pagodas, and the bustling activity within the shops. The unique boutiques, like Paper Plant Co., also offer visually interesting scenes. For a truly unique shot, consider the immersive art installations like Cakeland LA. Remember to visit during the day for the best light and most active scenes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Heart of Chinatown: Central Plaza
Beyond the main attractions, the plaza offers a glimpse into the community's culture and history. You can find charming boutiques selling everything from stationery to artisanal crafts, and experience the unique atmosphere of this cultural enclave. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, offering a distinct visual and sensory experience for all who visit.
Pro-tip: While the plaza is charming, remember that many shops close by late afternoon. To fully experience its offerings, plan your visit during daytime hours.
Culinary Delights of Chinatown
For those with a sweet tooth, Phoenix Bakery is an institution, famous for its delicious strawberry cake. It's a perfect stop for a treat after exploring the plaza. Beyond these highlights, the area boasts numerous other restaurants serving everything from hand-pulled noodles to dim sum, providing ample opportunities to savor the rich flavors of Chinese gastronomy.
Insider Advice: To make the most of the dining scene, consider visiting during lunch or early dinner hours. While restaurants stay open later, the daytime offers a more bustling and varied experience with more shops open concurrently.
Unique Experiences Beyond the Usual
Another intriguing spot is Cakeland LA, a whimsical art installation that transforms the space into a vibrant, kaleidoscopic labyrinth. This immersive experience is a visual feast and a departure from typical tourist attractions.
Additionally, the area is known for its charming boutiques, such as Paper Plant Co./Thank You Coffee, which combines a stationery store with a cafe, offering a cozy spot to relax and browse. These less conventional offerings add layers of discovery to any visit to Chinatown Central Plaza.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit