Chinatown Central Plaza, Los Angeles

Central Plaza, located between Broadway and Hill Street, just off West College Street, is the historic heart of Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Opened in June 1938 as the center of New Chinatown, it is sometimes informally called Old Chinatown Plaza.

Enter from the Broadway side and pause to look around the square. The surrounding buildings are easy to recognize by their curved tiled roofs, red columns, ornamental balconies, carved wooden details, and brightly painted façades. Designed by Erle Webster and Adrian Wilson, their appearance reflects a Hollywood-inspired vision of old Shanghai rather than strictly traditional Chinese architecture.

Near the Broadway entrance, look for two important bronze statues. The statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen honors the revolutionary leader regarded as the founder of modern China. Nearby stands the seven-foot statue of Bruce Lee, unveiled in 2013. It is one of the plaza’s most popular photo stops. Bruce Lee once operated a martial arts studio nearby, at 628 West College Street.

Continue toward the middle of the plaza and look upward for the Golden Pagoda. Rising about 50 feet, this multi-level structure is the main visual landmark of Central Plaza and can be seen from almost any part of the square. Close to it, look for the Seven Star Cavern Wishing Well. Visitors traditionally toss coins into this well while making a wish for luck or prosperity.

As you walk beneath the covered arcades, you may see local residents playing board games, drinking tea, and socializing. The plaza remains an active community center and is home to several Chinese associations and guilds, including the Hop Sing Tong Society.

During Chinese New Year, the Autumn Moon Festival, and other celebrations, the open square becomes a performance area for lion dances, lantern displays, music, and martial arts demonstrations.

Finish by exploring the shops and restaurants around the plaza. They sell jade, porcelain, paintings, wood carvings, herbs, teas, souvenirs, and traditional gifts. Nearby bakeries include Wonder Bakery and Phoenix Bakery, of which the latter is especially known for its strawberry cream cake.