The Chinatown neighborhood is among the oldest built areas in New York City. Besides its long and unbroken 150-year history as a residential area and popular haven for immigrants from China, the neighborhood has been a destination for New York City native voyeurs and tourists for over one hundred years.
On October 23, join Untapped New York Insiders for a members-only walk through Manhattan’s Chinatown in search of the remnants of the federal era and pre-Civil War New York. On this tour, Insiders will learn about the rich history and scattered remnants of the district’s pre-Chinatown Revolutionary and Federal era roots and its relationship to the notorious Five Points neighborhood. The guide, Untapped New York Insider Mark Satlof, will also provide food recommendations for those wishing to support the neighborhood’s local eateries. The event is free for Untapped New York Insiders (get your first month free with code JOINUS).
Before Chinatown Was Chinatown Tour
On the tour, you will stand at the literal Five Points, and learn about the notorious neighborhood’s surprising relationship to modern Chinatown. Later, you will see a dozen-plus early to mid-19th century buildings, homes, and houses of worship hidden among the later streetscape (dipping into the adjoining Two Bridges area) .
As the tour progresses, Insiders will hear about the Dutch roots and colonial beginnings of the old “Sixth Ward” and walk on streets first laid out in the 1750s and earlier. You will discover how the hidden bones of 18th and early 19th century structures lie underneath the altered facades of numerous buildings in the neighborhood. New York’s oldest tenement awaits discovery as well.
On October 23, join Untapped New York Insider and long-time Chinatown habitue Mark Satlof who will set the scene for this trip back in time, guide you through the area in search of old New York, and leave you with the address of the best dumplings in New York!
Before Chinatown Was Chinatown Tour
Next, check out the top 10 secrets of Chinatown and the definitive food guide to New York City’s many Chinatowns!