Chinatown, Chinese cultural district in Westminster, England.
Chinatown is a Chinese district in Westminster with restaurants, bakeries, and food shops along Gerrard Street, Wardour Street, and Lisle Street. The narrow lanes are decorated with red lanterns and connect small squares with Asian-style gateways.
The first Chinese residents settled in Limehouse in the early 20th century, but after war damage the community moved to central Westminster in the 1970s. The current area grew around Gerrard Street and became the new center of Chinese life in the city.
The name comes from the Chinese immigrants who settled here and shaped the streets with lanterns, bilingual signs, and traditional colors. Visitors see red and gold elements everywhere, recalling festivals and good fortune.
Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus underground stations are a few minutes' walk away and offer quick access to the district. Most shops and restaurants open daily, with more activity in the evening than during the day.
The Wardour Street gate from 2016 was built by Chinese craftsmen and shows carved stone columns with painted details in Qing dynasty style. This gateway marks one of the main entrances and is a popular meeting point for photographers.
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