YEAR OF THE TIGER

If you're looking for something different to do this holiday season, we put together an itinerary of some of the best things in Chinatown for your enjoyment.  

First, if you're visiting New York, see this list of interstate buses with depots in Chinatown.  

 

Once you're here, grab a tasty pastry - say, the classic pineapple bun - at any of the bakeries on Baxter, Elizabeth or Canal Streets.

 

 

Chinatown is unparalleled for snack lovers:  Within blocks of each other, there's spicy beef jerky, dumplings (or grab a bag to take home from Deluxe Supermarket), "bubble" teas, The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory (lychee-flavored ice cream), chewy dried squid, Mo Mo Cha Cha (Malaysian dessert), sweet-tofu custard, and more. 

Browse the 7,000 square feet Oriental Culture Enterprises at 13 Elizabeth Street.  It is the largest Chinese bookstore in North America filled with paintings, art supplies, musical instruments and books.

 

Visit Ting's Gift Shop (18 Doyers Street) the oldest toy store in Chinatown for a unique gift.

 

Want bling?:  The oldest and second largest jewelry district in the City is in Chinatown.  Stores are clustered around the Bowery and Canal Street.  Businesses are generational, as are repeat customers.

For tranquility, nothing beats meditating with the 15 foot Buddha resting at the Mahayana Temple (Bowery).  If you visit during Lunar New Year (February), be aware there will be crowds seeking blessings at the daily chanting ceremony.  And where else in the City to see monks stroll about in saffron robes?

If you love karaoke, join other enthusiasts and belt to your heart's content at karaoke lounges in the neighborhood.  

 

Dream of being on America Idol?  Make an appointment with Donald Trump's Feng Shui master Master Pun Yin to shore up your luck.