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A Walk Down Chinatown’s Streets

Photographs by Elizabeth Bick 7/11/2018Updated 4/17/2020

Manhattan’s Chinatown, a downtown neighborhood within a shout of the Manhattan Bridge, thrums with activity during business hours. Produce stands, herbalists, roast-meat specialists, gift shops and endearing hole-in-the-wall restaurants dominate at street level. Chinese-language signage adorns building facades and storefront awnings, adding to the international nature of the area. Its name and character date back to the 19th century, when immigrants settled in a cluster around Pell, Doyers and Mott Streets; the neighborhood has since spread out and, despite the boom of the City’s two other main Chinatowns, in Queens' Flushing and Brooklyn's Sunset Park—not to mention smaller areas in those two boroughs—remains the one most enticing to visitors. Get a feel for it in our photo gallery.

A person in a red coat and hat walks past a Chinatown hair salon with neon signs and Asian characters, while sunlight casts shadows on the street and storefronts.

Two people walk on a city street beneath a large, golden, winged horse sculpture suspended above the intersection. The surrounding buildings are brick with signs in Chinese characters.

People walk past a bright red building with metal shutters and Chinese signage on a sunny street, casting long shadows on the sidewalk.

People walk past a bright red storefront with large yellow Chinese characters, a green tiled roof, and a painted image of a figure in blue robes. The windows display various figurines and decorations inside.

A storefront window displays various roasted meats hanging, including ducks and chickens. Reflections on the glass show people inside and also street signs reading "218-220 Grand St. NYC" and a phone number above the window.

A street scene outside a Chinese grocery store with green signage. People walk by and shop at outdoor produce tables on a sunny day. One woman in bright pink reaches for items; another shops, while a man and woman walk past.

A dimly lit restaurant scene shows three people sitting at a table with a red checkered tablecloth, as a server pours tea. Sunlight highlights the table while the background remains dark.

A busy city street lined with brick buildings, fire escapes, and colorful storefronts with Chinese signs. People walk along the sidewalk, and market stalls display goods outside the shops.

People walk past a market with a yellow and green awning on a sunny day. Some carry shopping bags, and fresh produce is displayed outside the store. The store's interior appears dark in contrast to the bright sidewalk.

A man in a blue shirt and orange cap sells produce at an outdoor market stall. He is handing a bag to a woman with long hair under a green and white umbrella. Their reflections are visible in a glass window nearby.

People cross a busy street in Chinatown, New York City, surrounded by cars, tall buildings, and storefronts with colorful signs and banners in English and Chinese. A clear sky and city skyscrapers are visible in the background.