Chinatown is an enclave located in Lower Manhattan. New York’s Chinatown has a significant population of people of Chinese origin and is the second largest Chinatown in the world, after San Francisco’s Chinatown.

Like many other ethnic areas within a metropolis, Chinatown developed with the arrival of Chinese immigrants who were initially involved in commercial activities such as laundries and restaurants. Chinatown‘s population grew exponentially beginning in 1900 through 1970, when it expanded to absorb most of Little Italy.

Everything in this neighborhood is reminiscent of China – the stores, restaurants and hotels. Most buildings bear signs with sparkling lights and Chinese characters.