Chinatown

Washington

A brightly lit traditional Chinese gate with intricate designs, a Walgreens store, and a Starbucks on a city street at night.
A bustling city street at night with illuminated signs and storefronts.
A street with cars, a Walgreens store, and a traditional Chinese gate.
A brightly lit traditional Chinese gate with intricate designs and characters, set against a city street at night.
A traditional Chinese gate with intricate designs and a sign in the center.

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.

Stay near popular Chinatown attractions

Sixth and I Historic Synagogue

8.0/10 (59 reviews)
After visiting Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Washington. Discover the area's entertainment choices and notable monuments.
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Top hotels in Chinatown

Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown

Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW Washington DC
The price is HK$793 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
HK$793
HK$920 total
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW Washington DC
The price is HK$698 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
HK$698
HK$810 total
22 Nov - 23 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
Washington Plaza Hotel
Glover Park Hotel Georgetown

Glover Park Hotel Georgetown

4 out of 5
Washington DC
The price is HK$935 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
HK$935
HK$1,084 total
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,364 reviews)
"Great location, clean and cozy rooms, and friendly staff. The hotel restaurant serves delicious food."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2026

Glover Park Hotel Georgetown
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol

3 out of 5
1225 First St NE Washington DC
The price is HK$694 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
HK$694
HK$804 total
24 Nov - 25 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very good! (2,276 reviews)
"My room was perfect however my room was not cleaned I did not receive any fresh towels or linen I had a two-day stay and did not receive any room service."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW Washington DC
The price is HK$706 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
HK$706
HK$1,054 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,655 reviews)
"The staff were friendly and helpful. The bed was super comfortable and my husband really enjoyed his breakfast, he said he liked how his eggs were cooked. I like that it is an older hotel and as such has its charm. I like that it didn’t feel like a chain. In the past we stayed at the Hyatt nearby, ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2026

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown by IHG

2.5 out of 5
317 K St NW Washington DC
The price is HK$847 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
HK$847
HK$982 total
26 Nov - 27 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very good! (1,898 reviews)
"Room was good and breakfast was excellent"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2026

Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown by IHG
See all 6,070 properties in Chinatown
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.

Where to stay in Chinatown

Find the best Chinatown areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Chinatown
Learn more about Chinatown
The United States Capitol building with classical architecture, including columns and detailed sculptures.
Photo by The Graham County Chamber of Commerce
Open Photo by The Graham County Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Washington D.C.

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 National Museum of Women in the Arts, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

A large stone statue of a man in a suit with arms crossed, set against a clear sky.

Northwest

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Northwest. Check out top attractions like White House and Capital One Arena, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.

A stone bridge with multiple arches spanning a river, with bare trees in the foreground and a sunset sky.

Georgetown

Georgetown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Washington Harbour or Dumbarton Oaks.

A historic building with American flags, a church spire, and a brick courtyard.

Old Town Alexandria

Take time in Old Town Alexandria to visit attractions like Alexandria City Hall and Market Square. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at King Street Station to see more of the city.

A fountain with a statue of a figure, surrounded by trees and benches in a park.

Dupont Circle

Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Mansion on O Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.

Chinatown

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