6 Historic Places to See in Chinatown on Your NYC Bus Tour

NYC bus tours always take you around the city, showing you some of the most impressive attractions on offer. Just one of the areas these tours drive through is Chinatown, home to some amazing historic sights. Here are some of the historic places in Chinatown you will want to pay especially close attention to.

Columbus Park

Columbus Park is among the oldest parks you may see during NYC bus tours. It first opened back in 1897 with the name “Mulberry Bend Park” and is in the “Five Points” historical district. The park recently was renovated to include spray showers, water fountains, playgrounds, basketball courts, and more, but you can still get a feel for its history during a visit.

Kamwo Herbal Pharmacy

For a special shopping experience, pop into the Kamwo Herbal Pharmacy while in Chinatown. This is among the largest and oldest herbal pharmacies in the country, and it still operates like a vintage apothecary. You will find an incredible range of medicinal herbs, some over-the-counter remedies, and a licensed acupuncturist.

Mahayana Buddhist Temple

While in Chinatown, visit Mahayana Buddhist Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the city. By Manhattan Bridge, its 16-foot-tall gold Buddha statue will certainly catch your eye; it’s the biggest in NYC. It isn’t as old as some other items on this list, with construction ending in 1962. However, it’s still worth a visit, considered a historic landmark for the culture and religion it represents.

Museum of Chinese in America

For those who want to get a feel for Chinatown as a whole and its history, be sure to check out the Museum of Chinese in America, known as MoCA, during your NYC bus tours. This museum was founded in 1980 and reopened in 2009 with a permanent exhibition space and more. The museum has interactive components, as well, for a unique visiting experience.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor

In the mood for a historic Chinatown attraction that also serves as a break from NYC bus tours? Stop by Nom Wah Tea Parlor, the oldest dim sum parlor in New York City. It has been open since 1920. Although remodeled recently, it maintains its old-time charm. Enjoy some dim sum, traditional pan-fried noodles, and other Chinese cuisine.

The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Want dessert after your dim sum at a historic Chinatown restaurant? Find it at the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, an unofficial landmark. It’s among the oldest businesses in Chinatown, serving ice cream to residents and visitors for almost four decades. It has always been family run and is the perfect way to cool off. To learn more about these and other historic Chinatown attractions, book NYC bus tours to discover what your tour guide has to share.