Washington DC Chinatown

Whether you are there for shopping, dining, or just to have a look around, the bustling streets of Chinatown have plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can visit on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, catch a show or sporting event at the Capital One Arena, or book a guided tour and let a guide show you around so you don’t have to worry about navigating the busy streets on your own.

Another favorite way to explore Chinatown is on a pedicab (rickshaw) tour. The unique form of transport adds an entertaining twist to a Chinatown adventure. Plus, you can relax and enjoy the sights while a guide narrates the journey.

• Visiting Chinatown is a great way to break up a traditional DC day of monuments and museums.
• Wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks make the neighborhood easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
• Arrive hungry—one of the best parts of Chinatown is sampling the food.

You can reach Chinatown by Metrorail—take the Red, Yellow, or Green lines to Gallery Place-Chinatown—and explore the area on foot. It is also easy to reach the area by bus, taxi, or on a tour.

Chinatown is bustling all year round, but the most popular time to visit is during the Chinese New Year—which typically falls at the end of January or beginning of February. The streets are alive with parades, live entertainment, firecrackers, and festivities.

Dim sum is a traditional Chinese cuisine served in bite-sized portions on small plates and traditionally delivered via a pushcart buffet. To experience authentic dim sum, head to Tony Cheng's Restaurant. You can order from a pushcart on weekends or a menu on weekdays. For dim sum with a Peruvian twist, China Chilcano hosts “Dim Sum Tuesdays.” If you are looking for dim sum in an upscale atmosphere, try The Source by Wolfgang Puck.