Happy Lunar New Year, a day when we celebrate China in your land.
And rabbit on about the Chinatowns we’ve known.
With our favourite roast duck with orange sauce and egg fried rice.
Other dishes are available.
The first Chinatowns
The first Chinatown was established by the Spanish in Binondo, Manila in the Philippines in 1594.
And as Chinese influence and the Chinese spread across the globe so too did those big gateways.
The port city of Liverpool is known for many things, The Beatles, its football teams, the Grand National Aintree course…
And the oldest Chinatown in Europe dating back to the 1850s.
All courtesy of the silk, cotton and tea trade between the north-west English city and Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The Chinese thrived and became an integral and valued part of the city.
Particularly after Chinatown was bombed in World War II and the Liverpudlians opened up Newton Street for them.
Yen in the USA
Chinatowns have long been high up on the list of must-visits on city breaks.
And when a food and wine editor is set the challenge of taking a family of four out in Manhattan it’s Chinatown she heads for.
Chinatown’s distinctive arches are also a Godsend as landmarks for the new visitor to a city.
So that when you’re on the clock on a day trip in Philadelphia and you need to get back to Washington.
Then the Philly Gate from where your bus takes off is a welcome sight.
You don’t have to be a metropolis like a New York, San Francisco, Melbourne or London (and Soho sharing tables are a culinary must).
Small town Chinatown
Because even the smallest towns can dine out on their Chinatowns.
With my neighbouring town in my 13 years in Ireland putting on its own Chinese New Years along its back street next to the rail track.
All of which earned Bray the nickname Brayjing by the quick-witted Wicklow wags.
So as we celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and China in your land hare’s to peace and prosperity in all your lives.
And to our go-to dream maker and travel provider Wendy Wu… happy Wu Year.
Wendy is only offering savings on up to £1,650pp in their New Year Sale!
Plus, you can enjoy savings on your 2023 or 2024 China holiday when you book by 31 January
