Chinatown Boston
Chinatown Boston is a dense, historic neighborhood at the southern edge of downtown Boston, home to the city's Chinese and broader Asian American community since the 1870s. It is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States and the only one left in New England, known for its restaurants, markets, and the ceremonial gate that marks its entrance. This guide covers where Chinatown is, its history, what to see, and how it connects to the rest of downtown Boston.
Location
Chinatown is in downtown Boston, bordered by the Theater District, the Financial District, Boston Common, Downtown Crossing, Bay Village, the South End, and the Southeast Expressway. It sits in the 02111 zip code and is one of the most densely populated residential neighborhoods in the city. South Station, a major rail and bus hub, is a short walk away, and the neighborhood's compact grid makes it easy to explore on foot from almost anywhere downtown.
Quick facts:
- Zip code: 02111
- Nearby transit: South Station (Red Line, Silver Line, commuter rail, Amtrak), Chinatown Station (Orange Line)
- Bordering neighborhoods: Boston Theater District, Financial District, Bay Village, South End
History
Boston's Chinatown traces back to 1870, when Chinese workers were brought from San Francisco to work at a shoe factory in North Adams, Massachusetts. In 1874, many of those workers moved to Boston and settled in what is now Ping On Alley, the start of the neighborhood as it exists today. The first Chinese laundries opened nearby on Harrison Avenue, and Hong Far Low, generally considered the neighborhood's first Chinese restaurant, opened in 1875.
The twentieth century brought both growth and disruption. Construction of the Central Artery in the late 1950s and the Massachusetts Turnpike in the 1960s cut directly through Chinatown, displacing homes and businesses and permanently shrinking the neighborhood's footprint. Despite that pressure, Chinatown remained Boston's commercial and cultural center for its Chinese community through the twentieth century and into today, surviving as the only Chinatown remaining in New England.
The Chinatown Gate
At Beach Street and Surface Road stands the Chinatown Gate, a traditional paifang guarded by a pair of stone foo lions. The government of Taiwan donated the gate to the city in 1982, and it was installed in 1988. Boston and Taipei separately became official sister cities in 1996. A plaque beneath the gate displays the flags of the United States and the Republic of China, marking the gift.
The gate stands where the Central Artery Tunnel once required a ventilation building, part of the land reshaped during the Big Dig. Today it functions as Chinatown's ceremonial entrance and one of its most photographed landmarks.
Community and Culture
Chinatown remains one of Boston's most densely populated neighborhoods, with a dense mix of housing, restaurants, markets, and institutions packed into a small footprint. Chinatown Main Street, a local nonprofit, supports the neighborhood's small businesses and community organizations. At the neighborhood's southern edge, Chinatown Park forms the terminus of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, with water features and bamboo plantings that offer a quiet break from the surrounding streets. Tufts Medical Center, one of Boston's major hospitals, is also based in Chinatown, reflecting the neighborhood's mix of residential, commercial, and institutional life.
Things to Do in Chinatown
Chinatown's streets are lined with dim sum restaurants, bakeries, markets, and shops, and the neighborhood hosts community festivals throughout the year, including Lunar New Year celebrations. For a full breakdown of restaurants, landmarks, festivals, and a suggested walking route, see our complete Things To Do in Chinatown, Boston guide.
Nearby Attractions
Chinatown's downtown location puts it within easy walking distance of several other Boston landmarks. A short walk north leads to the Freedom Trail, where stops like Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House trace the city's Revolutionary history. The neighborhood also borders the Financial District to the east and the Boston Theater District to the west, making it simple to combine a Chinatown visit with a wider look at downtown Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Chinatown in Boston?
Chinatown sits at the southern edge of downtown Boston, bordered by the Theater District, the Financial District, Boston Common, Bay Village, and the South End, in the 02111 zip code.
Does Boston have a Chinatown?
Yes. Boston's Chinatown dates back to the 1870s and is the only remaining Chinatown in New England.
How old is Chinatown Boston?
Chinese workers began settling in the neighborhood in 1874, making it over 150 years old, among the oldest Chinatowns in the United States.
What is the Chinatown Gate?
The Chinatown Gate is a traditional paifang at Beach Street and Surface Road, donated by the government of Taiwan in 1982 and installed in 1988. It marks Chinatown's ceremonial entrance.
What is there to do in Chinatown Boston?
Chinatown offers dim sum restaurants, bakeries, markets, and cultural festivals throughout the year. See our full Things To Do in Chinatown guide for restaurants, landmarks, and a suggested walking route.
Is Chinatown close to the Freedom Trail?
Yes. Chinatown is a short walk from Freedom Trail stops including Faneuil Hall, and it borders both the Financial District and the Theater District.
Planning a Tour with Boston Sightseeing
The Boston Sightseeing Double-decker bus is a great way to experience all that Chinatown Boston has to offer. Our hop-on hop-off style tour allows visitors to see all the major sights of the city, including Chinatown, at their own pace. With the open-top design, you can take in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood while learning about its history and culture from our knowledgeable guide.
Our Tour Packages
Single Ride Pass
$33.25
Explore Boston in 90 Minutes
Ride above the crowd and enjoy the panoramic view of Boston
- Boston City Tour Single Ride Pass
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
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- 90 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
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Hop-On Hop-Off All Day
$41.55
Boston City Sightseeing Tour
Experience historic Boston with unlimited hop-on hop-off at your own pace.
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
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- 90 Minutes tour
- 1 Day Validity
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Hop-on Hop-off Boston & Charlestown Tour
$48.65
Boston & Charlestown Tour
Experience the charm of Boston & Charlestown with Boston Sightseeing at your own pace.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop-1 to Stop-11
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
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- 120 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
$70.40
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Tour
Explore Boston & Charlestown with Boston's first double-decker bus at your own pace.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop-1 to Stop-11
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
- Blue & Orange Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 120 Minutes Tour
- 2 Days Validity
Cruise Terminal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
$52.00
200 Minutes Hop-on Hop-off
Get onboard from Boston Cruise terminal and explore the historic beantown with Boston Sightseeing double-decker bus.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop 1-8, 12-15
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- 200 Minutes Tour
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Boston & Cambridge City Tour
$63.00
Guided Photo & City Tour
A 3.5-hour guided shuttle tour featuring Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods, Cambridge highlights, waterfront views, and curated photo opportunities.
- Guided Boston & Cambridge sightseeing tour
- Approximately 3.5 hours
- Curated stops and photo opportunities
- Climate-controlled shuttle bus transportation
- Live local tour guide
- 45-minutes Quincy Market lunch break
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- Hop-on, hop-off service
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