Chinatown, DC

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 center neighborhood with a variety of Asian shops and restaurants. Visit the nearby galleries, museums and entertainment centers.

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 theaters. Chinatown grew to prominence in the 1930s when Chinese immigrants opened businesses and decorated the neighborhood’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 emphasize 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 Center. 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 theater 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 Center.

Check the websites of the galleries, museums and theaters for admission fees, opening times and schedule of events.


Stay near popular Chinatown attractions


Chinatown Hotel Deals

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 ₩151,454 per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
₩151,454
₩175,611 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
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 ₩177,633 per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
₩177,633
₩205,965 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,398 reviews)
"thank you"

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026

Washington Plaza Hotel
Moxy Washington DC Downtown

Moxy Washington DC Downtown

3 out of 5
1011 K Street NW Washington DC
The price is ₩192,546 per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
₩192,546
₩223,257 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Moxy Washington DC Downtown
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW Washington DC
The price is ₩221,000 per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
₩221,000
₩298,862 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
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 ₩160,953 per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
₩160,953
₩186,625 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
State Plaza Hotel

State Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW Washington DC
The price is ₩164,379 per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
₩164,379
₩190,597 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
State Plaza Hotel
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 and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

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.

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.

Georgetown

Georgetown is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Washington Harbour and Embassy Row while you're in town.

Old Town Alexandria

If you're spending time in Old Town Alexandria, you might enjoy attractions like Alexandria City Hall and Market Square. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at King Street Station to see more of the city.

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, DC