Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
15. Chinatown and Little Italy
Often the set for movie productions and television shows, both Chinatown and Little Italy
are an integral part of the New York City landscape.
Chinatown
Manhattan's
Chinatown
is noted for being the largest and oldest ethnic enclave of Chinese
individuals, outside of Asia. Comprised of immigrants, as well as 3rd and 4th generation
Chinese Americans, this area is home to an estimated 100,000 people.
The story of this little city within the city is thought to have begun when a gentleman by the
name of Ah Ken immigrated to the United States, in the 1840s. A businessman back in his
hometown, he opened a cigar shop that went on to become successful and give him finan-
cial stability. His success encouraged others to move into the area and start plying their own
trades.
