Amsterdam
Lonely Planet published, in the travel tips and articles category, some of the world’s best Chinatowns. The Netherlands’ most famous Chinatown is located in the former Red Light District of the capital city, Amsterdam. For decades, it has been a prominent tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Listed in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel: Top Ten Cities.
Come visit and have a glance at what the city offers in terms of promising upcoming cultural events and more. Click this link, “I Amsterdam”, and toggle the language button in the top right corner. Scroll through or click directly on the main top bar for What’s On or See and Do information.
Important events to watch:
Individuals and their historic homes reveal more about a culture’s history. This theme will be essential to the World Interiors Event 2013. The exhibition is titled “Past, Present, and Future of Interiors.”
The Hague
The next visit is Den Haag and Chinatown in The Hague Take a peek at this album on the Chinatown Den Haag website. It has followed the example of Chinatown, London, with a Chinese gate. A significant entrance to Chinatown connects directly with The Hague City Centre shopping area and historical sights for leisurely strolls. Throughout the week and on weekends, there are a variety of events to watch and participate in. In addition to the various well-known sites, landmarks, and tours, I recommend signing up for the guided tour at the Dutch Parliament building known as Binnenhof. This building is where the Dutch Prime Minister resides: in the turret at the corner of the Hofvijver. For a concise overview of sightseeing highlights, read the information on the Holland Hotel link.
Rotterdam
Katendrecht was the first Chinatown in the famed port of Rotterdam. Residents preferred to call it ‘de Kaap’. Erika Blikman and Yuen Han Lam collaborated on a project to honour the 100-year presence of Chinese people in Dutch society. They aimed to launch ‘China op de Kaap’ with a young group of enthusiastic designers, artists, and cultural specialists. The website is only in Dutch, yet it clearly depicts an active programme. The project received overwhelming enthusiasm and support. The Kaap today reflects an eclectic blend of arts and traditions from the Chinese community. It was established by the neighbourhood’s early immigrants.
De Westkruiskade is located in Rotterdam’s city centre and conveniently near Central Station. Due to the neglect of city planning in the past, Katendrecht saw most of its proprietors move out. Due to the loss of business customers and visitors. New entrepreneurs started their businesses closer to the city with a new Chinatown named Kruiskade. However, it is obvious that next to Chinese, this neighbourhood also includes Dutch, Antillian, Surinamese, and African residents. The area features many Oriental shops, restaurants, and supermarkets that cater to multicultural shoppers and attract visitors on city day trips.
Enjoy great Chinese and other Asian cuisines in Chinatowns in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Discover these cities and have a wonderful time with their offerings!
Note: Featured image source: Chinatown Den Haag, copyright: ©Arnhem.nl