Chinatown Central Plaza, Shopping district in Los Angeles, US
Chinatown Central Plaza is a pedestrian retail area in the heart of Los Angeles Chinatown, with shops and food stalls arranged around open walkways. The space is marked by red lanterns strung above the paths and buildings with curved roofs, while storefront signs mix Chinese characters with English.
The plaza opened in 1938 as a new center for the Chinese community, after the older Chinatown was displaced from its earlier downtown location. It was built by Chinese owners and became one of the first modern shopping centers of its kind in the country.
Many of the storefront signs use Chinese calligraphy, and during festivals, lion dances and lantern displays take over the open areas. Visitors can watch people shopping for herbs, teas, and traditional foods in a setting that keeps older customs visible in daily routines.
It is easiest to explore on foot, since the plaza has open walkways and places to stop and rest. Weekday mornings are often quieter, while afternoons and weekends bring more foot traffic through the shops.
Look down while walking near the central courtyard, and you will notice the terrazzo surface includes a representation of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. Many passersby walk over it without realizing the plaza keeps this quiet reference to traditional timekeeping.
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