Things to do in Houston Chinatown
Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, has the biggest Asian population in the South. There are many attractions in Houston Chinatown. Below is a list of Houston Chinatown attractions and Asian attractions throughout Houston. (Wonders of Houston: Chinatown)
Houston Chinatown Plazas
With
all the recent constructions going on in
Houston Chinatown, it is hard
for anyone to know what store or restaurant has opened. Use our recently
compiled Chinatown Plaza Guide
to learn more about these new and old plazas and some of the tenants that occupy
them.
Many small business owners in Chinatown are now using an ip camera to protect their premises against theft and burglary.
Hong Kong City Mall (Hong Kong Supermarket)
The biggest Asian indoor mall in the southeastern United States. Over two dozen restaurants and cafes and several dozen more offices and shops makes this place feel like a small city. The beautiful Asian architecture, colorful gardens, fountains filled with lily pads, and a enormous parking lot makes it a centerpiece for the Houston Asian community. 11021 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX, 77072. Open 7 days a week.
Jade Buddha Temple
Built in 1989, Jade Buddha Temple covers two-and-a-half acres in southwest Houston and consists of the Grand Hall, Kwan-Yin Hall, the Youth Activity Center, a library, a dining hall, several living quarters, and a lotus pond with a statue of Kwan-Yin as its centerpiece. In addition to serving the religious and spiritual needs of its members, the Temple functions as a Buddhist study and research center for many different educational institutions, including Rice University, University of Houston, the University of Texas, and St. John's School. 6969 Westbranch Drive., Houston, TX 77072. (281) 498-1616.
Dim Sum at Ocean Palace
This
two-story palace with a sweeping entrance overlooking the Hong Kong City Mall's
lily pad pond with fountains is a big food attraction in Chinatown. Inside you
can expect tidy banquet-style decor, magnificent chandeliers, and Asian-themed
decorations. Dim sum is served daily, but Sunday's is the busiest day of the
week. 11215 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072.Splash Art Gallery
Art
exhibition going on now through June 18th.
Click here for details. Opened
in November 2005, Splash Gallery features diversified style of arts with Asian
accent art gallery. Various styles of oil painting, water color painting, Asian
painting, Contemporary and Abstract paintings are on display and for sale. They
also offer weekend art classes for kids and adults. Splash Gallery, 6515
Corporate Dr., M#1, Houston, TX 77036. 713-270-8008.
Houston Asian Heritage Tour
Tours are held Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 AM to 2:30 PM.
The route
will begin at the Chinese Community Center, 9800 Town Park and continue to Hong
Kong City Mall. Then, a dim-sum lunch will be provided at Ocean Palace
Restaurant followed by a visit to the Buddhist Temple. Finally, the tour ends at
the Chinese Community Center with a tea ceremony. Other featured events may be
customized for your tour. It is a perfect opportunity to explore the Asian
Culture without having to travel to Asia. Call 713-271-6100 ext. 113 for more
information.
Chopin's Corner Library
This
brand new Chinese fine arts and literature library just opened. It features over
30,000 fine arts and music books and the most recent newspapers and magazines
from Taiwan. Located in Houston Chinatown, Dynasty Mall. 9600 Bellaire Blvd.
Houston, TX 77036. Call 713-776-8916 for more details. Hours: M-Sun.: 10am-5pm.
Closed Tues.
Asian Attractions in Houston, Texas
Forbidden Gardens
Forbidden Gardens, in Katy, Texas, is a fascinating outdoor museum replicating some of China's major historic scenes. Guided tours take you back to the third century BC to view the first Emperor's amazing 6,000 piece terra-cotta army replicated in 1/3 scale. The tour continues to the intricately detailed miniatures of the famous Forbidden City in Beijing which served as palaces for nearly 500 years of Imperial rule. Come and experience the mystery and magic of Imperial China. Forbidden Gardens is a must-see for everyone who wants to embark on an unforgettable journey to a faraway land without stepping outside of Texas. Forbidden Gardens, 23500 Franz Rd., Katy, TX 77493. 281-347-8000. www.forbidden-gardens.com
Japanese Gardens in Herman Park
The
Japanese Garden in Houston Hermann Park is a daimyo style, and includes a tea
garden, a kaiyushiki stroll garden, and a scroll garden. The entry garden is a
dry landscape garden. Imagine you are standing on the sea (black moonstone) and
the boulders are the rising landscape of Japan. Curved pathways in the garden
are covered with crushed stone similar to moonstone. The Japanese Gardens is
located near Rice University a few minutes from downtown Houston. They are open
daily April-Sept, 10am-6pm and Oct-Mar, 10am-5pm. Location: Main St & Sunset
Blvd, Houston, TX 77005. 713-284-1989.
Click here for video of
Japanese Garden.
Asian Culture Centers
There are many Chinese community centers around Houston. Find out where they are located in our guide, Houston Asian Community Center Guide.
