Chinatown Central Plaza, Los Angeles

Central Plaza, situated at the heart of L.A.'s Chinatown and positioned between Broadway and Hill streets off College Street, played a pivotal role in the inception of New Chinatown when it officially opened its doors in June 1938. Due to its historical significance as the oldest part of the neighborhood, it is sometimes informally referred to as "Old Chinatown Plaza."

Central Plaza is not just a physical space but also a hub for various Chinatown societies and guilds, including the Hop Sing Tong Society. The architecture of the buildings within Central Plaza is noteworthy, featuring distinctive elements such as sloped roofs, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant facades. Interestingly, these structures were inspired by the Hollywood interpretation of Shanghai and were designed by architects Erle Webster and Adrian Wilson, who were not of Chinese descent.

Central Plaza, near Broadway, features statues of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a Chinese revolutionary leader, and Bruce Lee. The Sun Yat-sen statue, erected in the 1960s, honors his contributions, while the 7-foot tall Bruce Lee statue was unveiled on June 15, 2013. Don't miss this iconic Chinatown spot where Bruce Lee once had a studio at 628 West College Street.

Central Plaza is a vibrant spot for seniors, offering games, tea, and socializing on sunny mornings. It hosts traditional events like lion dances and lantern festivals during special occasions like Chinese New Year and the Autumn Moon Festival. Notable landmarks include the 50-foot Golden Pagoda and the Seven Star Cavern Wishing Well.

For years, Central Plaza has drawn tourists with its Chinese charm. It offers diverse local crafts like porcelain, woodwork, jade, paintings, herbs, teas, and more. Nearby, there are 15 stores, seven eateries, two bakeries (Wonder Bakery and Phoenix Bakery), and two banks (Standard Savings & Loan and United Savings Bank).