Chinatowns have taken on a whole new meaning these days. Most of the major cities in America at one point in time have had one. Most Chinatowns began due to a mass immigration to an area, usually in an urban setting. More recent Chinatowns, however, have little to do with Chinese immigrants.
As conditions in China began to improve, many Chinatowns lost their initial goal, which was to provide an easier place to transition into a new culture. The smaller Chinatowns began to dwindle as the migration slowed down. They are becoming more of tourist attractions, economic developments, and serving a historical rather than an ethnic purpose. While many are still the same as when they were established, I find them all to be so interesting. I have been to Chinatown in San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and looking forward to experiencing the newest one close to home.
The old Chinatown in Salt Lake City was named “Plum Alley” and existed until 1952. The area has a new “Chinatown” in the making in South Salt Lake City. Now home of the only Chinatown in the intermountain west. It began development and opened businesses in 2012. It is a 5.7-acre community with Asian and Chinese themed shopping and businesses located on 3390 South near the heart of Salt Lake City, which gives it easy access from many points of the Salt Lake Valley. To bring Utah’s rapidly-expanding Asian Community together is the main purpose of this development. With hope also of bringing awareness of the richness of Asian cultures to Utah. This is the first and only project of its kind in the history of Utah. The newest Chinatown of 100, 000 sq. feet takes up a whole block. You will find shops, restaurants, other retail stores. It is home to a 30,000sq ft. Supermarket, the largest Asian market in Utah. It offers high-quality live seafood, traditional fresh fruits and vegetables found in an Asian kitchen. Utah residents will also find varieties of never before seen goods.
Great thought and care were poured into Chinatown’s main entrance on the State Street side. A very large gate decorated traditionally reflecting the rich colors and architecture of China incorporated into a cosmopolitan setting is the gateway to this Chinatown. All of the buildings were carefully and specially planned to fit this motif. Each storefront, walkway, and entrance is protected by beautiful canopies. The location itself has become a well-known landmark.
Ideally, the creation of Chinatown in South Salt Lake City is to provide a gathering space for the Asian people of Utah to celebrate and share the beauty of their traditions and culture. What better way to share exposure and education to the many guests and patrons from all walks of life here in the Salt Lake Valley.
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