DK Travel : Seattle : International District

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.

Top 10 Sights

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.
2. Little Vietnam

The storefronts here resemble images of 1960sera Saigon, with large, bright signage in the native language.
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.
4. Dim Sum

4. Dim Sum

Seattle 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
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.
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.
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.
8. Uwajimaya

8. Uwajimaya

If 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
9. Train Tunnel

Passenger and freight trains thunder below the edge of the ID. The tunnel ends just past Pike Place Market.
10. Safeco Field/Qwest Field

10. Safeco Field/Qwest Field

Seattle’s professional baseball and football teams are based across the street from each other, in the space between International District and Pioneer Square.

Practical Information

For tasty Vietnamese, try Thanh Vi at 1046 S Jackson St, (206) 329-0208. For Chinese, head to Seven Stars Pepper Szechuan Restaurant at 1207 S Jackson St, Suite 211, (206) 568-6446 ID:(206) 382-1197 www.internationaldistrict.org Union Station: 501 S. Jackson St (206) 622-3214 Top Gun Seafood: 668 S King St (206) 623-6606 Ocean City: 609 S Weller St (206) 623-2333 Nippon Kan Theatre: 628 S Washington St Tsue Chong Co Inc.: (206) 623-0801 9:30am–5am Mon–Fri, 10:30–2pm Sat Seattle’s Best Tea:(206) 749-9855 Uwajimaya:(206) 624-6248 Safeco Field:(206) 346-4000 Qwest Field:(206) 381-7555 Great Wall Mall: 18230 E Valley Hwy, Kent (425) 251-1600 Daily 9am–9pm