International District
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Once known as Chinatown, this district was renamed when community leaders recognized that inhabitants from all over Asia had made that term obsolete. One of Seattle’s most historical districts, the ID is a striking example of how Asian cultures thrive and assimilate into Western society. Each ethnicity claims a particular quadrant, even while coexisting in the same colorful part of town. Stroll through groceries and restaurants run by Cambodians, Koreans, Japanese, Vietnamese, and others, to experience the Orient, Pacific Northwest style.
Avoid parking in the ID on game days at Safeco or Qwest Fields or you’ll be fighting crowds on the streets and sidewalks.
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1. Chinese Lunar New Year
A traditional celebration in Chinese communities worldwide, Seattle’s version takes place inside the Great Hall of the historic Union Station. Streetside Kung Fu lion dances, music, and firework displays make this a festive day for both locals and tourists looking for winter fun in the city.
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2. Little Vietnam
The storefronts here resemble images of 1960sera Saigon, with large, bright signage in the native language.
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3. Union Station
This Beaux Arts-style station opened in 1911 with a black and white mosaic floor and a 55-ft (16-m) vaulted ceiling that supports hundreds of lights. It has been sensationally remodeled and is now popular as an event venue.
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4. Dim Sum
4. Dim SumSeattle is serious about food, and the crowds flock to the International District for these mandatory Chinese delicacies. Excellent choices are Top Gun Seafood and Ocean City.
Chinese dipping sauce
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5. Nippon Kan Theatre
Since it was built in 1909, this theater has been updated, renovated, and designated a historic landmark. This bastion of the Japanese-American community overlooks the ID from its hilltop perch on S Washington Street.
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6. Tsue Chong Company Inc.
If you smell something sweet amid pungent aromas of the International District, it’s likely to be this outfit, which makes delicious noodles and fortune cookies.
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7. Seattle’s Best Tea
Tea finds its rightful place in a city overrun by coffee shops. Joe Hsu’s small, bright, modern shop is the real deal. Customers can sample the delicious teas. Prices range from $20 to $217 per pound.
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8. Uwajimaya
8. UwajimayaIf you can’t make it to the Far East, head to the largest Asian market in the Pacific Northwest. This store has a vast array of Asian products, merchandise, and a huge ethnic food court offering cuisine from all over Asia.
Dragon depicting Asian culture
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9. Train Tunnel
Passenger and freight trains thunder below the edge of the ID. The tunnel ends just past Pike Place Market.
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10. Safeco Field/Qwest Field
10. Safeco Field/Qwest FieldSeattle’s professional baseball and football teams are based across the street from each other, in the space between International District and Pioneer Square.
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