Chinatown Liverpool

Liverpool’s Chinatown is one of the most iconic parts of the city and certainly an area you want to visit when you explore the city.

Below, you can finds lots of useful information on Chinatown, it’s history, location and the landmarks you should check out.

We’ve also included some of our favourite and most popular Chinese restaurants. And if you wanted to visit Chinatown by bike, we’ve included some information on our cycling tours of Liverpool too.

The History Of Liverpool’s Chinatown

Liverpool’s Chinatown is not only the oldest in Europe but also one of the most historically significant Chinese communities in the Western world. Its origins date back to the early 19th century, when Liverpool became a major trading hub. Chinese sailors, primarily from Canton (now Guangdong), arrived on ships involved in the trade of tea, silk, and cotton. Many of these sailors decided to settle in Liverpool, establishing a small community around the docks.

By the late 19th century, Liverpool’s Chinese population had grown steadily, and the area around Nelson Street began to evolve into a cultural and social hub for this community.

The development of Chinatown accelerated after World War II, when Chinese migrants from Hong Kong arrived, seeking economic opportunities. This new wave of immigrants helped revitalise the area, further establishing businesses like restaurants, herbalists, and supermarkets that catered to both the local Chinese population and Liverpool’s broader community.

In recent years, Chinatown has become a celebrated symbol of Liverpool’s multicultural heritage. One of its most iconic landmarks is the ornate Chinese Arch, the largest outside of China, which was gifted by Shanghai in 2000 to mark the city’s sisterhood with Liverpool.

The arch reflects Liverpool’s long-standing connections with China and stands as a vibrant reminder of the city’s historical role in global trade and migration. Today, Liverpool’s Chinatown is known for its festivals, such as Chinese New Year, and its continued contribution to the city’s cultural mosaic.

Where Can You Find Chinatown In Liverpool?

Chinatown is an area in Liverpool that stretches over numerous streets. In all, it covers the following:

• Bailey Street
• Berry Street
• Cornwallis Street
• Cummings Street
• Duke Street
• Griffiths Street
• Knight Street
• Nelson Street
• Roscoe Lane
• Sankey Street
• Seel Street
• Upper Duke Street

Must-See Places In Chinatown

Chinatown is home to a number of stunning landmarks, with the most beautiful of all being first on our list.

The Chinese Arch

Liverpool’s Chinese Arch, located at the heart of the city’s Chinatown, is an impressive and culturally significant landmark that holds the title of the largest Chinese arch outside of China.

Standing at 13.5 meters (44 feet) tall, the arch was completed in 2000 to celebrate the city’s long-standing ties with China, particularly its sister city relationship with Shanghai.

What makes the arch particularly special is its intricate craftsmanship. It was designed and constructed by artisans from Shanghai, and it features over 200 hand-carved dragons, a symbol of power and strength in Chinese culture.

The colors used—vibrant reds, golds, greens, and blues—are symbolic of prosperity, joy, and good fortune. In fact, the arch was a gift to Liverpool in recognition of its historical ties to China, as Liverpool’s Chinatown is the oldest in Europe.

When visiting, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the fine details. The arch is adorned with traditional Chinese symbols, such as phoenixes and the imperial dragon, each reflecting different cultural meanings.

Look out for the Chinese characters inscribed on the arch, which wish peace and prosperity to all who pass beneath it.

For the best experience, view the arch from Nelson Street. Here, you can get a full view of its grand scale, especially when it’s illuminated during Chinese New Year celebrations.

Visiting the area during these festivals provides an even more vibrant experience, with lion dances and lanterns adding to the spectacle of the arch, making it a must-see cultural highlight in Liverpool.

The Quirky Quarter

The Quirky Quarter, located on Duke Street near Liverpool’s Chinatown, is a fun and interactive attraction designed to challenge your perception of reality.

This unique experience offers a series of mind-bending optical illusions, puzzles, and hands-on exhibits that playfully distort the senses.

Visitors can expect to walk through upside-down rooms, pose for gravity-defying photos, and explore curious spaces that defy logic.

Suitable for all ages, Quirky Quarter invites creativity and curiosity, making it a perfect stop for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy a playful, offbeat adventure in the heart of Liverpool.

The Black-E

The Black-E, located near the Chinese Arch, is a historic and unique arts and community centre. Originally built as Great George Street Congregational Church in 1841, it was repurposed in 1968 as a cultural space, blending art with social engagement.

The Black-E (short for Black Environment) is known for its focus on inclusive art, theatre, and community projects. It hosts a variety of performances, exhibitions, and workshops, with an emphasis on youth engagement and social justice.

As one of the UK’s longest-running arts centres, it remains a vital part of Liverpool’s creative and cultural landscape.

Events In Chinatown

Chinatown is a lively cultural hub that hosts a variety of events throughout the year, with a particular emphasis on traditional Chinese festivals.

The most prominent celebration is Chinese New Year, which typically falls between late January and February, depending on the lunar calendar. During this time, Chinatown comes alive with colorful parades, lion and dragon dances, martial arts displays, and fireworks.

Nelson Street, where the famous Chinese Arch is located, becomes the centre of the festivities, filled with food stalls, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Mid-Autumn Festival, another significant event, usually occurs in September or October. This festival celebrates the harvest and the full moon, and Chinatown hosts cultural performances, lantern displays, and traditional mooncake tastings. It’s a quieter but equally meaningful event, drawing people from all over the city to enjoy the celebrations.

Throughout the year, Chinatown also holds smaller community events, such as cultural workshops, art exhibitions, and food festivals. These events often take place in local Chinese community centres or restaurants and provide opportunities for both locals and visitors to experience Chinese culture firsthand.

These celebrations are not just for the Chinese community but are open to everyone, making Liverpool’s Chinatown a welcoming place for all cultures to come together.

What Are The Best Restaurants In Chinatown?

Liverpool is home to some marvellous restaurants, and with the city having such a thrivng Chinese community, you won’t struggle to find quality food.

Here’s a list of some of the best Chinese restaurants in Liverpool:

• Chamber 36 – A modern, fusion-style restaurant, Chamber 36 offers Asian tapas with a twist, including standout dishes like bao buns, Korean fried chicken, and innovative cocktails.
• Big Bowl Noodle Bar – Specialising in generous portions of hand-pulled noodles, this laid-back spot is loved for its noodle soups and stir-fries, with a particular emphasis on hearty, flavourful broths.
• Yuet Ben – One of Liverpool’s oldest Chinese restaurants, Yuet Ben is known for its Northern Chinese cuisine, offering specialties like Peking duck, sizzling platters, and rich, savory hotpots.
• North Garden – A Chinatown favorite for authentic Cantonese dining, North Garden is famous for its dim sum, seafood dishes, and extensive menu featuring everything from crispy duck to salt and pepper squid. Arguably the best Chinese restaurant in Liverpool!
• Mei Mei – This family-run eatery serves traditional Hong Kong-style dishes, with standouts like clay pot rice, BBQ pork, and fresh seafood. The cosy atmosphere makes it a popular spot for a home-cooked meal feel.
• Mr. Chilli – Specialising in spicy Sichuan cuisine, Mr. Chilli is a hit for those who love bold flavors, offering dishes like mapo tofu, hot and sour soup, and fiery dry pot specials.

Can You Park In Chinatown?

Parking in Liverpool’s Chinatown is relatively convenient, with several options available. If you’re heading to Chinatown by car, the closest parking facility is the Secure Parking lot on Heathfield Street, which is just a short walk from the iconic Chinese Arch and Nelson Street.

Alternatively, Mount Pleasant Car Park on Mount Pleasant Street is also nearby, offering plenty of spaces at reasonable rates.

Street parking is available in the area but can be limited, especially during busy times like Chinese New Year or weekends. Be sure to check parking signs for any restrictions or time limits, as some areas operate under permit-only or pay-and-display schemes. Generally, parking is free after 6pm in Liverpool City Centre.

There is also some parking available at the Liverpool Cathedral.

For convenience, parking apps like JustPark or Parkopedia can help you find available spots, compare prices, and book ahead to secure a space. Chinatown’s central location also makes it easy to park slightly farther away and walk to the main attractions, such as from Liverpool ONE or Bold Street, where there are also plenty of parking options.

Visit Chinatown On A Cycling Tour

If you want to see Chinatown why not do so on one of our cycle tours of Liverpool. Not only do you get to see the amazing Chinese Arch, but you get to explore Chinatown’s many quirky streets and scope out your choice of restaurant for later!

If you’re looking for other things to fill your day, then we recommend checking out our day trip to Liverpool, which will give you lots of ideas.

And if you have any questions, please contact us.

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