Chinatown Stories Walking Tour

Discover the fascinating stories and characters behind this iconic district and gain a whole new perspective on London’s Chinatown! Our trained volunteer History Champions can’t wait to take you on a journey through this area’s complex, nuanced and fascinating evolution.

Did you know that the site of today’s Chinatown was converted into hunting grounds by Henry VIII in Tudor England? Or that Ronnie Scott’s world-famous jazz club started in Gerrard Street? Where are the oldest established businesses in the area and what do these places show us about the area’s development as Chinatown? What’s the story behind the first Chinese printing company in the UK? Or the first Chinese chef to be awarded a Michelin star? What does the area reveal about London and world history? And what can it teach us about racism and prejudice? On our Chinatown Stories walking tour, you will hear incredible stories of migration, entrepreneurship, family histories and transformation. The content of the tours is rich and all thoroughly researched and recorded by people who are passionate about the history of this area.

What makes our tours special?

• Chinatown Stories are led for the benefit of the community – all guides are trained volunteers and tickets include donations to Chinatown charities supporting the neighbourhood.

• Tours are in-depth and thoroughly researched – you won’t hear these stories anywhere else!

• The China Exchange History Champions were presented with the Ecclesiastical Heritage Alliance Storyteller of the Year award 2022. Join our award-winning volunteers for this special experience.

Private tours and school tours are available. A 10% discount is available for five tickets or more booked in the same transaction. We can accommodate larger groups by request. Email us to find out more: hello@chinatowncollective.london

Our tours are in English. We can also offer tours in Cantonese and Mandarin for groups of 2 or more. Contact us to make arrangements.

We can also provide gift vouchers for tour experiences. Contact us to find out more.

Chinatown Stories: Community-Led Walking Tours is a project led by Chinatown Collective. It was operated formerly from 2018-2024 by China Exchange.

Find out more info or book your tickets on Chinatown Stories.