Chinatown of Las Vegas

Every city has a little corner devoted to Eastern Asia, yet few offer up the spice and color like the oriental mall development just minutes from the Strip. Las Vegas Chinatown (also known as Chinatown Plaza) brings the mysticism and magic of the orient to life along a highway once left to rack and ruin, as Sin City began spreading in the opposite direction. The transformation of Spring Mountain Road in 1995 marked the beginning of an Asian love affair with Las Vegas, subsequently granted the official honor of “Chinatown” in 1999 by Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn.

Flanked by two majestic silver dragons and a triple pagoda archway, the foreground of Chinatown resembles the imperial structures of Forbidden City, Beijing. Opening onto a grandiose plaza, the appeal of Chinatown to both locals and Chinese ex-pats is immediately apparent – the restaurants lining the Plaza a welcoming cacophony of laughter, music and clinking glassware. From Taiwanese grills to the ever-popular high end sushi bar, Chinatown presents a tantalizing square of temptation – as exotic as you dare try. Traditional cafes such as the Noodle Pot and Boba's Tea House offer relaxing, intimate surroundings and a delectable array of Chinese teas and light snacks. Fast food fans are catered for by Filipino favorite Kapit Bahay, where spring rolls and fried seafood comprise just some of the delicious snacks available. Chinatown Express and The Emperors Garden step things up a notch with exciting Mandarin and Szechwan specialties, cooked up by some of the USA's finest niche chefs.

If there were a mall pageant for color and spectacle, Las Vegas' Chinatown would win hands down. Nearly every week brings a new celebration, festival or convivial event – some centered around Chinese and Mandarin traditions, while others such as the Miss Chinatown Las Vegas Beauty Pageant have been devised purely for the entertainment of visitors. Mid-September brings with it one of the most colorful dates in the calendar, the Moon Festival on the 15th. The lunar date marks the harvest festival of Chinese culture, celebrated with exuberant street theater, native dance shows and a spectacular spread of native dishes.

A fascinating insight into East meets Western culture, Las Vegas Chinatown still retains the vital elements of a modern enclosed shopping mall. Covered walkways house over 130 stores of varying genre, including spice stores, art boutiques and the only Chinese bookstore within Nevada county. Upscale bakeries tempt with the sugary aromas of candied treats, steamed sponge cakes and nian gao – a sweet cake made from turnips. Grinning monkeys, replica temples and exquisite Chinese calligraphy present just some of the artistic efforts to be found within the gallery boutiques, while the spectral colors of kimonos and floral print tea dresses beckon fashion lovers to Chinese clothing outlets. Bright, bustling and well-connected with public transport operators from the heart of Sin City, this little slice of the Orient is a great way of getting to know the Asian culture now flourishing in this Nevada boom town.