Chung King Road, Los Angeles

Just across the street from Central Plaza, which is illuminated by neon lights, there's a small alley known as Chung King Road. Together with Chung King Court, which features a water fountain in its center, it forms a pedestrian area in the northwest corner of New Chinatown, constructed in the 1930s and 40s. This 40-foot-wide street is typically quiet during the day, often used by pedestrians as a shortcut to Chinatown's main attractions. In the past, Chung King Road housed restaurants, herbal medicine shops, Chinese specialty stores, and Chinese art importers, with the business owners living upstairs, fostering a close-knit community.

However, by the late 1990s, most long-time residents had relocated to other parts of the city. The storefronts that once housed these businesses remained vacant for a while, until some of them were transformed into art studios, boutiques, and other unique establishments. Chung King Road, though weathered, is a bustling hub for cutting-edge art galleries. It comes alive on Saturday nights when art lovers gather for new exhibits. The area is home to many innovative artists, but turnover of tenants is high due to the transient nature of artists.

With its regular schedule of art gallery exhibitions, Chung King Road has become one of the focal points of art and nightlife in Downtown Los Angeles. Annual events held here include Chinese New Year and the Golden Dragon Parade, The Moon Festival, KCRW's Chinatown Summer Nights, the closing party of LA's Design Week, and the Perform! Now! Festival. Many of the storefronts have preserved their original signs and appearances, allowing visitors to still get a feel for the area's historical charm.