Chinatown in Liverpool

A brief history of Chinatown in Liverpool

The first Chinese sailors settled in this area of northwest England in the mid-1800s. In those days, Liverpool was one of the main ports for trade between the UK and China. Many Chinese sailors’ first experience of England would have been the bustling port town of Liverpool.

Products like tea, silk, porcelain and cotton were traded between the 2 nations, and a team of Chinese sailors was tasked with setting up the Holt Line Steamship Company to facilitate this trade.

The area now known as Chinatown was the first home of the Chinese sailors, around Cleveland Square. In total, 12 streets make up Liverpool Chinatown, between the Baltic Triangle and Ropewalks.

What are the highlights of Liverpool Chinatown?

Scattered throughout Chinatown you’ll find many Asian restaurants and shops. The highlight of this area is dining, especially along Nelson Street in the heart of the neighbourhood.

Freshly steamed dim sum, pan-fried noodles, roasted duck, red pork, and plenty of authentic seafood can be found here. Often, the restaurant will display their ingredients in window displays so it’s easy to identify what each restaurant specialises in.

Check out New Capital Chinese Restaurant for a wide range of regional classics sourced from across China’s regional cuisines. Another popular dining spot worthy of a trip is Yuet Ben that serves classic Chinese dishes like barbecue pork spare-ribs and duck with mushroom and bamboo shoots. Mr Chilli on Seel Street is our pick for hot pots and spicy dishes originally from the Sichuan area of southern China.

If you’re looking for ingredients of your own, head to Chung Wah supermarket on Hardy Street. Often packed with international students picking up a taste of home, here you’ll find a huge range of groceries and frozen goods of Chinese and Asian origin.

The area is especially fun during the Chinese Lunar New Year in January or February when you'll see lion dances and plenty of interesting ceremonies.

Where is Chinatown Liverpool?

Chinatown is in central Liverpool, a few blocks back from Liverpool Docks. Nelson Street is considered the spiritual heart of the neighbourhood and is the best place to start your exploration of the area. Use Great George Square as a reference point in the centre of Chinatown.

Liverpool Cathedral is found immediately to the west of Liverpool Chinatown. The main shopping area of Hanover Street is to the east, which is also where you’ll find Liverpool Central train station if you need public transport. However, Chinatown is so central to most areas of central Liverpool that you can reach this neighbourhood on foot or take a short taxi if you don’t fancy walking or the weather isn’t ideal.