Chinatown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Washington which includes a city, street scenes and night scenes
Chinatown
Washington showing night scenes, street scenes and a city
Washington showing night scenes, a city and outdoor art
Washington which includes a city, night scenes and street scenes

Discover a city centre neighbourhood with a variety of Asian shops and restaurants. Visit the nearby galleries, museums and entertainment centres.

Chinatown in Washington D.C. is a historic district where you can experience Asian charm and cuisine. It’s an enclave of Downtown Washington D.C. and located within close proximity to some of the city’s major art galleries, museums and theatres. Chinatown grew to prominence in the 1930s when Chinese immigrants opened businesses and decorated the neighbourhood’s buildings with traditional artwork and signs.

Today, about 20 businesses survive that continue to showcase Asian culture. These businesses sit alongside modern buildings and well-known chain stores. Start your visit at the Friendship Archway, a typical gateway designed to emphasise the area’s Chinese character. Walk along the surrounding streets to see shopfronts adorned with bright lights and Chinese symbols.

Find teahouses and restaurants, which serve classic Asian dishes such as stir-fried noodles and wonton soup. Browse stores that sell crafts, medicinal herbs and spices. Visit the Chinese Community Church to hear sermons in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

Time your visit to coincide with the Chinese New Year Parade, which takes place between late January and mid-February. Enjoy live music shows, martial arts demonstrations and Chinese dragon dances.

Visit Gallery Place for retail and entertainment options. This contemporary shopping mall is home to fashion outlets, bars, restaurants and a cinema.

To the south, Chinatown converges with the lively Penn Quarter. Watch basketball and ice hockey matches or attend concerts by world-famous acts at the Verizon Centre. Spot work by national artists at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and see exhibitions about American culture at the National Portrait Gallery. Learn about the curious world of espionage at the International Spy Museum and attend a theatre show at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Chinatown is easy to get to via public buses and the metro. The most convenient metro stations are Gallery Place Chinatown and Metro Centre.

Check the websites of the galleries, museums and theatres for admission fees, opening times and schedule of events.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Chinatown Hotel Deals

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$149 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
AU$149
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,650 reviews)
Motto
"Wonderful stay all the way around."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$176 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
AU$176
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,512 reviews)
"I loved staying at Washington plaza! I did want to leave it was by far the best hotel experience I have ever had. I can’t wait to return. I will be booking my next trip there soon."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$240 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
AU$240
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,615 reviews)
"We had a great time staying at this hotel. Very nice and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
State Plaza Hotel

State Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$176 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$176
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,403 reviews)
"Really like our bed. Slept like a baby"

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

State Plaza Hotel
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Orme St, Arlington, VA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$162 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
AU$162
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,507 reviews)
"Just amazing.. Very spacious room"

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW, Washington, DC
The price is AU$176 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$176
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,716 reviews)
"Staff was so friendly and kind. I loved that the metro station was around the corner and easy to access. Would stay here again"

Reviewed on 11 Aug. 2025

citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

Downtown Washington D.C. showing a city, night scenes and street scenes

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(95 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Washington D.C.
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Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like FBI Headquarters and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter
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Logan Circle

A noteworthy feature of Logan Circle is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Studio Theatre and National City Christian Church.

Logan Circle
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Shaw

Visitors often come to Shaw for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Howard Theatre and Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Shaw Station.

Shaw
International Spy Museum which includes interior views

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center
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Connecticut Ave - K Street

While you're in Connecticut Ave - K Street, take in top sights like National Geographic Museum or K Street, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

Connecticut Ave - K Street

Chinatown Travel Guide

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