Visit Chinatown to experience a whole new culture in Amsterdam

A short walk from the Red Light District, Amsterdam's Chinatown has now spilled over into the Nieuwmarkt area

Lana de Wit

The advent of the early Chinese settlers

In 1900 Chinese stokers on large commercial steamships first settled in the Binnen Bantammerstraat area of Amsterdam. 'Kong Hing', the first Chinese restaurant in Holland, opened there in 1928 quickly garnering a loyal Dutch clientele. The end of World War II brought a surge in the Chinese population and soon migrants were arriving from other parts of Southeast Asia. The prosperity of the community is demonstrated by the ornate Fo Guang Shan temple.

Vibrant Chinatown today

Once a haven for drug peddlers, Zeedijk, the main street of Chinatown, has since undergone gentrification. The celebrated American jazz musician Chet Baker took his life there in 1988 and a plaque in his honour can still be seen outside the Hotel Prins Hendrik.
Chinatown many sights include the Guang Shan He Hua Temple, the largest Chinese Mahayana Buddhist monastery in Europe. Chinatown's traditional Asian architecture, with sloped roofs and arched corners, stand out in the context of Amsterdam's modern city centre. The quarter is also home to Amsterdam's premier LGBT venue, Café ‘t Mandje which was opened in 1927 by the legendary lesbian activist Bet van Beeren and was once the popular haunt of sailors and prostitutes.
Traditional Chinese apothecaries and martial arts schools are a hit with curious Westerners looking to cure ailments or develop their mental and physical facilities. The reflexology and foot massage spas in Amsterdam's Chinatown are truly sensual experiences, where staff set your feet in a tub of scented water while massaging your forearms, hands and temples.
A good time to visit Chinatown is during Chinese festivals when the lion dance and dragon dance are performed amid much fanfare and fireworks. Spend a day in this delightful neighbourhood that brings Asia to you in the heart of Amsterdam.

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Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!

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