12 Destinations to Discover Asian American History and Culture

Asian and Pacific Islander people have played a profoundly significant role in shaping American history, contributing to the rich heritage of the United States in countless ways. Given the alarming rise in bigotry toward the Asian American community in recent years, there’s never been a better time to check in on your Asian friends and let them know that they are seen, they are safe, and they are supported by countless other communities. Moreover, it is a perfect moment to learn more about the contributions of AAPI Americans and their experiences all over the US, from vibrant Chinatown districts to museums to the sobering Manzanar National Historic Site.

1. Chinatown, New York, New York

There’s no better cultural immersion experience than stepping into New York City’s bustling Chinatown, a lively neighborhood rich with history, built on the backbone of immigrants and carried on by multiple generations of families, entrepreneurs, and community organizations.

“Chinatown is one of the US’s most iconic cultural enclaves for Asian Americans. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local resident, every corner of Chinatown has its gems,” explain Jennifer Tam and Christina Hui, co-founders of a local community initiative. “We encourage you to stop and learn the stories of the small business owners. It means so much to them when visitors offer a smile and acknowledge their entrepreneurial efforts. Shopping in Chinatown is unlike anywhere else – you can find household goods, special gifts made by hard-working people, and, of course, delicious, authentic eats.”

2. Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, California

With a mission of bringing Asian art and culture to everyone, this must-see museum houses one of the most comprehensive Asian art collections in the world, with more than 18,000 works of art. It even has a functioning authentic Japanese tea room on the second floor. With some 2500 works on display at any one time, the museum describes itself as a “vibrant hub for discovering the magnificent artistic achievements and intriguing history of the world’s most populous continent.” In short, it’s an essential stop for anyone curious about Asian artistic endeavors.

3. The Panama Hotel, Seattle, Washington

Built in 1910, this six-story hotel is a National Park Service-designated National Historic Landmark and remains impressively intact. Inside, visitors will find a haunting display: original belongings, suitcases, trunks, and boxes of Japanese Americans who were incarcerated in relocation centers during World War II and who never returned to retrieve their goods. The first floor hosts a tea room that is open to the public.

4. Angel Island, San Francisco, California

Referred to as the “Ellis Island of the West,” Angel Island served as an active military installation during the Civil War and World War II and was transformed into an immigration station in 1905. Between 1910 and 1940, the site processed up to an estimated one million immigrants to the US, including 250,000 Chinese and 150,000 Japanese people. Today, visitors can step back in time and peruse historic photographs, artifacts, and a life-like recreation of immigration living quarters and interrogation rooms.

5. The Pendleton Underground, Pendleton, Oregon

In the late 1800s, the Chinese built the essential railroads that connected the west and east coasts. They also constructed a network of underground tunnels in eastern Oregon, creating a fascinating historical site to visit today. During its peak, Underground Pendleton was home to many secret businesses like saloons and opium dens – a hidden gem that was discovered by city workers only in the 1980s. As a safe haven from discrimination, they built spaces underground for trade and community.

6. Golden Spike National Historical Park, Corinne, Utah

On May 10, 1869, US history was made with the completion of the transcontinental railroad, primarily due to the hard work of Chinese immigrant workers. These laborers, facing unfair working conditions, laid 10 miles of track in one day – a record that still stands. The Golden Spike Monument in Utah honors these Chinese immigrant workers and commemorates their contributions and sacrifices.

7. The Wing Luke Museum, Seattle, Washington

The only community-based museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the history of pan-Asian Pacific Americans, the Wing Luke Museum is located in the heart of Seattle’s Chinatown Historic District. Known as “The Wing,” this museum provides a vivid glimpse into the lives of early Asian settlers through artifacts, photographs, and documents. Visitors can explore a preserved immigrant apartment and a full reproduction of one of the oldest general stores in Chinatown.

8. Manzanar Historic Site, Independence, California

The treatment of Asian Americans in the US has a complicated history, particularly during World War II. The Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps where Japanese American citizens and resident aliens were incarcerated. This historical site features photographs, artifacts, and reconstructions that depict the difficult experiences of the residents.

9. Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles, California

As the first museum in Southern California dedicated to the Chinese American experience, the Chinese American Museum serves as a research center on the 150-year history of Chinese Americans in the region. Housed inside the historic Garnier Building, it displays unique artifacts, photographs, and audio recordings that reflect the cultural heritage and memories of the community.

10. Asia on Argyle, Chicago, Illinois

For an authentic taste of Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures in Chicago, head to Uptown’s Argyle Street. This vibrant area is filled with mouthwatering restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores and has been recognized as a historic district thanks to its transformation over the decades led by Asian immigrants and refugees.

11. USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, California

Dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands, the USC Pacific Asia Museum holds a collection of more than 15,000 objects spanning over 4000 years. Its architecture resembles a classic Chinese pagoda, complete with an impressive courtyard. Visitors can appreciate artworks and cultural items that tell the stories of various Asian communities.

12. Museum of Chinese in America, New York, New York

The Museum of Chinese in America aims to “redefine the American story one narrative at a time.” This museum houses a rich collection of artifacts and collectibles chronicling Chinese American history and was recently reopened after suffering setbacks from a fire and the pandemic. It now actively uplifts the voices of the Chinese American community.

This article highlights significant destinations that celebrate the diversity and contributions of Asian Americans, making it essential for those wanting to explore the cultural landscape of the United States.