Chinatown in Buenos Aires is not just a place; it’s an experience that promises to captivate digital nomads, travelers, and expats alike.
From its vibrant street markets to its mouthwatering cuisine, this neighborhood is a treasure trove of cultural wonders waiting to be discovered.
Published by ExpatPathways, this comprehensive guide titled “Chinatown (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit” will equip you with all the insights needed to navigate and enjoy this lively district to the fullest.
Get ready to dive into a world where East meets West in the heart of Buenos Aires!
Chinatown (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is the Chinatown of Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires’ Chinatown, also known as Barrio Chino, is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood crowned by a decorative arch that welcomes visitors.
This area is packed with small shops and is especially lively during the Chinese New Year celebrations, when the festivities extend to the surrounding streets.
Historical Background
Unlike other Chinatowns like the one in San Francisco, Buenos Aires’ Chinatown did not emerge as a residential neighborhood but rather as a cultural and commercial zone.
It combines the presence of Taiwanese community and religious institutions with commercial stores aiming to attract train passengers. In 2009, the entrance arch was constructed, and in 2015, the main streets were pedestrianized.
Development and Transformation
Originally a middle-class residential area, the transformation of this neighborhood began in the late 20th century with the immigration of Taiwanese families who established various businesses and cultural institutions, including one of the city’s first Buddhist temples, the Chong Kuan Temple, inaugurated in 1988.
Cultural Significance
Chinatown gained popularity mainly due to the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations, drawing larger crowds each year.
However, not all residents welcomed this change, as the previously quiet residential streets turned into bustling commercial areas, causing traffic and noise issues.
Government Involvement
In 2006, the City Government’s Urban Planning Department rejected a proposal to officially recognize the area as Chinatown, citing that the population structure did not justify such a designation. Despite this, the commercial influence continued to grow, and in 2009, the iconic entrance arch was completed.
Present-Day Chinatown
The area covers about four blocks, with the most intense commercial activity, featuring the largest concentration of Asian restaurants and supermarkets in the city, along with a few temples and various shops.
Although popularly known as Chinatown, it also includes significant numbers of other Asian communities, leading some to call it the Oriental neighborhood.
Visiting Chinatown
Today, most businesses are open every day, except for some that close on Mondays. The main activities take place on weekends and holidays. The neighborhood is also known for its manga and anime shops and its fish markets, which have gained fame in recent years for their variety and competitive prices.
Chinatown is a highlight for anyone interested in exploring the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Buenos Aires’ Asian community. Entering through the grand arch at Arribeños and Juramento, you’ll find shops and supermarkets with a wide range of oriental products, from imported foods to decorative items and manga and anime merchandise.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
If you’re in Buenos Aires during the Chinese New Year (late January to early February), be sure to visit for the celebrations, which include musical performances, activities, and a large fair with food stalls, crafts, and souvenirs.
Where is the Chinatown of Buenos Aires located?
Buenos Aires’ Chinatown, locally known as Barrio Chino, is a largely commercial section about five blocks long in the barrio of Belgrano, Buenos Aires.
Chinatown is located north of the City of Buenos Aires, in one of the most residential areas and valued by Argentines due to its safety and well-being.
The Libertador, Juramento and Cabildo avenues circulate nearby. In addition, it is an easily accessible area, although certain massive events and critical hours can make activity denser. For example, the Chinese New Year or circumstantial events near the Monumental.
How to get to the Chinatown of Buenos Aires?
The location of Buenos Aires’ Chinatown is fantastic so that any traveler or tourist can visit it without difficulties. Planning a walk through Chinatown is no odyssey and here we share some travel alternatives.
Subway (D Line)
The closest subway station to Chinatown is Juramento, from which it’s only a four-block walk to the neighborhood.
Bus Lines
Given that the Chinatown is located in the central and commercial Belgrano neighborhood in the north of Buenos Aires, there are numerous bus lines that can take you there. Some of these include lines 15, 29, 44, 60, 65, 80, 107, 113, 114, and 130.
Train
The Mitre train line is another excellent option to reach Chinatown. You can get off at the Belgrano C station and find yourself just a few blocks away from the main attractions.
Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, it’s a viable option to reach Chinatown. Major avenues such as del Libertador, Cabildo, and Juramento pass very close to the area.
However, be mindful of where you park your bicycle. Although the area is busy, parking your bike on the street is not advisable for security reasons.
Things to do in Buenos Aires Chinatown
Shopping tour
The Chinatown of Buenos Aires is an open-air shopping gallery. The streets full of shops offer all kinds of products for tourists and visitors: from crafts to children’s products.
One of the things that explains the popularity of Buenos Aires’ Chinatown is the possibility of finding imported products in its stores. And we are not only referring to products from China or neighboring countries: also typical items from other parts of the world.
Best of all, you won’t have to spend a large portion of your budget to leave satisfied.
Gastronomic experiences
The other great facet of Buenos Aires’ Chinatown is its restaurants and street food stands. Of course, oriental cuisine (Chinese and Japanese, especially) takes all the honors, offering different establishments to taste everything from the native food of China to the traditional dishes that we can find in different parts of the world: stir-fried noodles, rice, dumplings. , etc.
But the Chinatown of Buenos Aires is not just about Chinese gastronomy. You can also find other proposals such as pizza, grills and cocktail bars.
It is worth clarifying that, except for street food stalls, restaurants and gastronomic establishments in the area may have medium to high prices depending on the brand.
Take some pictures
The arch or entrance door to the Chinatown of Buenos Aires is the most emblematic postcard to let everyone know that you have been there.
Painted in red and gold colors, the arch stands as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Furthermore, once you cross it, the real world of infinite shops typical of the neighborhood begins.
Barrancas de Belgrano
Very close to the Chinatown of Buenos Aires are the Barrancas de Belgrano. A large green space that includes a replica of the Statue of Liberty and a wide variety of attractions to explore and enjoy: street artists, music, paths and much more.
(Featured Image Source: Sarah Hecht/flickr.com)
