Routey

London

1 day

5 stops

1.1 hours

All Season

916

ABOUT THIS TRAIL

As a vibrant multicultural city, London is home to a sizeable Chinese population. Many Chinese labourers who arrived in London were initially based around Whitechapel and the East End, but the Chinese community has now established itself in Soho since the 1970s. This short tour includes some highlights of London's Chinatown.

#Chinatown #Chinese heritage #Soho #Leicester Square #culture

# IN URBAN LIFE

POINTS

Chinatown Gate

China Exchange

Guanghwa Bookstore

Chinatown Bakery

SeeWoo

Jimmy Chen Follow

I am a history and politics graduate from LSE and Cambridge and I am passionate about travelling in Europe and around the world. I live and work in London as a communications consultant.

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<<Chinatown Gate>>

Stop 1

2 minutes

All Season

Wardour Street 19 London United Kingdom

Description: Chinese gates are a defining characteristic of Chinatowns around the world, and the one in London is no different. The current gate on Wardour Street was installed in 2016 to mark the UK China Year of Exchange. The gate, crafted in the Qing Empire style, was constructed in Beijing by Chinese artists before being transported to London and installed on the site.

<<China Exchange>>

Stop 2

20 minutes

All Season

Gerrard Street 32 London United Kingdom

Description: China Exchange is a Chinese arts centre which has become a key part of Chinatown's arts and culture since its establishment in 2015. Its name is a nod to the building's previous purposes as a BT telephone exchange. In order to promote the establishment's objectives of cultural exchange, the venue hosts talks from distinguished speakers from all walks of life. Its two floors are also home to art exhibitions and music concerts.

<<Guanghwa Bookstore>>

Stop 3

10 minutes

All Season

112 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5EJ London United Kingdom

Description: Located on Shaftesbury Avenue, Guanghwa Bookstore sells books about China, books in Chinese, as well as Chinese arts and crafts and gift items. The book store, which was established in 1971, also hosts talks by authors and hosts weekly workshops for Chinese calligraphy and painting.

Sunday: 11:00 - 19:30
Monday: 10:30 - 19:30
Tuesday: 10:30 - 19:30
Wednesday: 10:30 - 19:30
Thursday: 10:30 - 19:30
Friday: 10:30 - 19:30
Saturday: 10:30 - 19:30

<<Chinatown Bakery>>

Stop 4

20 minutes

All Season

Newport Place 7 London United Kingdom

Description: Chinatown is perhaps best known for its restaurants, but the buns and snacks are also very much recommended. Chinatown Bakery is one of the best establishments selling buns of all kinds for a reasonable price. A perfect place to stop for a bite without breaking the bank.

Sunday: 10:00 - 21:30
Monday: 10:00 - 21:30
Tuesday: 10:00 - 21:30
Wednesday: 10:00 - 21:30
Thursday: 10:00 - 21:30
Friday: 10:00 - 21:30
Saturday: 10:00 - 21:30

<<SeeWoo>>

Stop 5

15 minutes

Lisle Street 18-20 London United Kingdom

Description: There are a couple of small supermarkets selling Chinese and East Asian food and produce in the area. While they all tend to be very busy, SeeWoo is a little more spacious and better served than its competitors. Prices are reasonable for London standards.

Sunday: 10:30 - 17:30
Monday: 10:00 - 21:00
Tuesday: 10:00 - 21:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 21:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 21:00
Friday: 10:00 - 21:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 21:00