Chinatown Overview:
Boston’s Chinatown is the largest such cultural neighborhood in New England. Architecture, Asian food, and unique shopping abound in this densely-populated neighborhood, nestled between Downtown Crossing and the South End.
Demographics:
According to 2007 data provided by Onboard Infomatics, Chinatown boats a population of 6,136 and a population density of 32,588 per square mile. It has seen a 40 percent population growth since 1990, with a median age of 39. The median household income is $30,147, and 47 percent of the population has never been married. Many crimes occur at a higher rate in the Chinatown neighborhood.
Landmarks:
You’ll know you’re in Chinatown instantly by the sight of the “Paifang,” a traditional Chinese architectural form, located at the Beach Street entrance of the neighborhood. Chinatown Park was the first of the new parks to be completed along Boston's Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, which now is a fabulous area of downtown, once defined by a highway. The Chinese Historical Society of New England is the only such institution dedicated to documenting Chinese heritage in the six-state region.
Restaurants:
China Pearl may be the Wal-Mart of Chinatown restaurants, but that’s not a dig. Rather it’s a compliment to how many patrons this large establishment has served over the years. For the best dumplings in the city, go no further than the Gourmet Dumpling House. For a Japanese twist in Chinatown, Shabu-Zen offers a fine variety of seafood, meats, and vegetables.
Shopping:
- Essex Corner: Knick-knacks galore.
- Kneeland Electronics: Looking for that hard-to-find Chinese DVD? This might be your place.
- Silky Way Inc.: Your complete resource for all martial arts gear.
Education:
For a list of local public schools, visit the Boston Public Schools, click here.
Transportation:
Several T stops are located near the neighborhood, including the South Station stop on the Red Line, the Chinatown stop on the Orange Line, and the Boylston stop on the Green Line. The Silver Line bus line also runs through the neighborhood, as do other local lines. For more information about navigating the T, click here
Grocery stores:
- C-Mart Supermarket: 692 Washington St.
- Cheng Kwong Seafood Market: 73 Essex St.
- CVS Pharmacy: 631 Washington St
- Tai Tung Pharmacy: 256 Harrison Ave.
7 Avenue de Lafayette
Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday 7:;30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Police station:
40 New Sudbury St., 617- 343-4240
