Sydney’s Chinatown – Exploring the city’s cultural vibrancy

Sydney’s Chinatown – Exploring the city’s cultural vibrancy

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 09/16/2016

Reading time: 3 mins

Delve into Sydney’s wonderous Chinatown for mouth-watering delights and exceptional culture!

The bustling streets and vibrant lanterns of Chinatown can be found in many cities across the world, and Sydney in Australia is no exception to this. The rich culture and delicious food smell that emanate from this region in every direction create an exciting and unique atmosphere that give people a taste of Asia on their doorstep.

The undeniable allure of Chinatown is extremely evident in Sydney, and being located on the southern end of the city’s CBD, its convenient location draws in hundreds and even thousands of people every day. The Chinatown that now stands in Sydney is not the first to have found a foothold in this great city, in the late 1800’s Chinatown began to develop in The Rocks region of Sydney, it was later moved to Darling Harbour and finally, in 1920 it began to establish its presence in its current location.

Shopping is a popular activity in Chinatown, with visitors being exposed to some interesting products and intricate Chinese crafts that display the marvellous skill of the artisans who made them. You will find an abundance of curious knick-knacks and delightful souvenirs to take home with you, and since the price is so reasonable, you’ll be able to buy a wide variety of gifts to take home and give to friends and family. The exciting experience of making your way through the busy streets and bartering for different crafts will be a souvenir in itself because it will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Chinatown offers the unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in an Asian culture without having to leave the comfort of your own city, and to make this experience even more authentic you can visit the streets at night, where the strings of red and gold lanterns illuminate the rows of market tents.

A visit to Chinatown would not be complete without trying one of the numerous dishes on offer here. With a wealth of options from many different Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, you can sink your teeth into mouthwatering servings of Pad Thai, Crispy Duck, Pho or delicious dumplings. Simply stroll down the street and visit the mouth-watering restaurants hidden within the narrow cobblestone laneways scattered about. One of the best ways to have a range of delicious cusines in one sitting is Yum Cha, letting you enjoy an array of foods which are offered to you on steaming trolleys around the restaurnts. Chinatown specialises in this cusine style, so save plenty of room in your stomach for this food adventure! One of the best times to visit Chinatown for food is during the month of October, where the entire city of Sydney will be celebrating Good Food Month, and Chinatown steps up to the plate with excellence.

A visit to Sydney’s Chinatown would not lead you astray, because, with the mixture of delectable foods and thriving Asian culture, you’re sure to have an experience like no other.

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.