International District

Popular movies have given new lore to Chinatown districts found in most big cities. These international neighborhoods are portrayed as being dark, mystical, and perhaps even evil places where ninjas hide in wait for potential enemies, geishas entertain clients behind silk screens, and elderly Chinese medicine men dispense herbal teas and advice. However, actual Chinatown districts are very different than their fictional counterparts. These areas are havens for tourists wanting to experience unique foods and buy beautiful handmade products. Even more, these districts are vital to the cities in which they Read the rest of this entry »

Visiting Chinatown in Seattle allows you to immerse yourself in a different culture without having to leave the city. Chinatown offers a wide variety of restaurants, shops and other attractions to hold your interest. You can also find many historical sites that will help you better understand the history of this unique neighborhood in Seattle.

The first historic attraction you will see to take you back to a different time is the traditional Chinese gate located on 5th, Jackson and Dearborn streets. It’s ancient architecture signifies that a Read the rest of this entry »

In case you haven’t figured it out, the international district of Seattle is a place that everyone reading this site should visit at least once. However, some of you have emailed me talking about how nice it sounds, but you just can’t make the trip. I would argue that the international district is worth the trip alone, but if you still can’t make it, here are a few (weaker) alternatives to seeing the district yourself.

1.) Watch a television program about it. There are plenty around. Doesn’t matter where you look – cable vs satellite, the district is noteworthy enough that lots of people will be talking about it.

2.) Read up on all the different Asian cultures that make up the Seattle international district.

3.) Take a trip to the International District vicariously courtesy of the wonderful world of the internet.

You know, that’s all we can think of. There really are no good reasons not to see this district – this collaboration of cultures.

Nowhere else in America can you see Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Vietnamese and Southeast Asians really living side-by-side in a cohesive and nurturing community. If you want to see what kinds of progress can be made when cultures collide and cooperate, this is the place to be.

San Francisco and Vancouver may be the two largest Chinatowns on the North American continent, but one of the best for tourists is Seattle’s Chinatown ID (International District). Here are ten of its most noteworthy attractions:

• Wing Luke Museum

for learning the culture and history of Oriental Americans

• Chinese Wu Shu and Tai Qi Academy

helps develop ‘internal and external health abilities’

• Hing Hay Park

at the district’s center Read the rest of this entry »

Seattle has a very rich and diverse Asian Culture in the area of Chinatown, but throughout. You’ll get a very nice mix of Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian and other different mainland and Pacific Islander culture.

Some great places to visit so you can soak up the culture include: Kubota Garden (showcasing an excellent garden park vibe from a Japanese perspective), Panama Hotel and Tea House (featuring traditional Japanese bath house stylings), and Bruce Lee’s grave site (an excellent place to pay respect to Jeet Kune Do founder and the first major Read the rest of this entry »

When you think of Seattle most people think of rainy days. This is what the city is known for now that they no longer have a basketball team. There are still some associations with others things like television shows. The creators of iCarly, for example, have become a show that is associated with Seattle. Aside from that few people are familiar with other things that are happening in the city.

This is why people need Read the rest of this entry »

There are a number of different cultures represented in the city of Seattle.
Seattle has made each culture feel at home and given them the space and ability to create an environment that reflects their culture and way of life.

Each year the Chinese celebrate their own New Years in late January and the celebration continues into the beginning of February. This is the year of the Dragon.
The open air night market in the heart of Chinatown is a mirror reflection of the way Chinese live daily in China. There are all kinds of stalls Read the rest of this entry »

Are you looking for something fun to do this summer? Well, one of the things that you can do is celebrate at the annual Seattle Chinatown Dragon Festival. This is such an amazing thing to do because when you show your support, you are helping to keep Chinatown alive and fully authentic.

It is the next best thing to actually traveling to China for a festival. When you celebrate in Chinatown you are helping to Read the rest of this entry »