Chinatowns were initially formed as a place where Chinese immigrants could celebrate their culture, as well as live and work in their communities without discrimination or language barriers. The first one popped up in the U.S. in San Francisco in 1848 and has since become a huge part of the tourism industry in several other cities across the country.
The many festivals, colorful shops, and authentic food attract droves of visitors hoping to get a taste of the orient without shipping off to the mainland. With the Chinese New Year just around the corner (February 10), we decided to take a tour of our favorite Chinatowns around the U.S. where the masses will surely be found ringing in the Year of the Snake.
-- Sally Farris
