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International District
It is not uncommon for a city to have an Asian district or more commonly known generally as "Chinatown".  In Seattle, one such district is called the International district as it hosts Chinatown, Japantown and others as well. If you are into experiencing the authentic lifestyle of Asian immigrants in the US, this is a great place to find it. It has neither glitz nor glamour of a big city, instead it is an almost run down little district with a quaint, mysterious and exotic feel to it. The area is riddled with small ethnic stores and restaurants and trash litters the alleyways. A somewhat dinghy looking place at first glance, the area holds some important and interesting historical values to the Chinese community in Seattle. Chinese immigrants can be traced back as far as 1860 in Seattle, and since then they have always had a community where they called Chinatown. In the very beginning the original Chinatown was built near the waterfront. Since then, it has been closed down and moved twice due to new construction and also the "Chinese Exclusion Act". The International District as you see it now began with Chinatown and is over 100 years old, and despite the initial impression that the area makes, it still attracts tourists who loves a taste of life beyond the ritzy city atmosphere. Close by, you will find Little Saigon, an area that was started by new Chinese immigrants who opened stores and restaurants. It is located on the highest point in the area and some good smaller restaurants. The biggest and most commonly visited restaurant in the area is called "Ocean City". You won't find authentic Asian cuisine there since it has become more and more geared towards their American customers, so if you can handle a good Asian meal with several courses, be sure to visit the numerous smaller restaurants. You will find food from major Asian countries such as China, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam and Japan. Don't forget to partake on some delicious dim sum!
If you're in Seattle in February, do not forget to visit the International District and their "Lunar New Year Celebration".  The area lights up and becomes bright, cheerful and colorful with red flashing brightly everywhere. One of the greatest cultural entertainments they provide is the Lion Dance, just mesmerizing! There will also be food samples by local restaurants. Another large and extravagant fair hosted in the area is the "Annual Chinatown-International District Summer Festival". It is labeled as the "largest Pan-Asian American streetfair in the Pacific Northwest". The fair has been consecutive winners of King County Event Producers Award (KEPA) for best ethnic community festival in 2000 and 2001. Events include traditional dances and traditional plays (if you have never seen a traditional Chinese stage play, this will be a great chance to see it, it is a very interesting spectacle full of color and extravagance and there is nothing else quite like it). You will be able to see performances by current Asian artists and jazz musicians and demonstrations by the various martial arts schools in the area. Throughout the rest of the year, there are also other attractions in the International District. The architecture of the buildings which incorporates both the Asian and American influences are a wonder to sit and watch, and available for that purpose and more are the pavilions and beautiful parks that surround the area. Then there is the Wing Luke Asian Museum that is located in the center of the District. The Museum is named after the first Asian American to hold a public office in the Northwest. The Museum chronicles the life and population of Asian immigrants into Seattle. The International District is definitely a place for visitors who are looking for an authentic experience, and if you are there, be sure to walk around and take a look at all the historical buildings that tells the story of a 100 year old town.
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Writer: Sunita D.
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Nearby Spots: Pioneer Square · Capitol Hill District ···
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