Chinatown of Boston…
Chinatown is a neighborhood located in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It is the only historically surviving Chinese area in New England with the demise of the Chinatown in Providence, Rhode Island after the 1950s.
The traditional Chinatown Gate (paifang) with a foo lion on each side is located at the intersection of Beach Street and Surface Road. Once a run-down area housing little more than a ventilation-fan building for the Central Artery Tunnel, a garden was constructed at this site as part of the Big Dig project. The Gate is visible from the South Station Bus Terminal and is a popular tourist destination and a great photo opportunity.
Chinatown remains a center of Asian-American life in New England, hosting many Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants and markets.
One of the most interesting moments of visiting Chinatown…stumbling upon the men playing Chinese Chess out in the open air.
To get this shot, I literally was climbing over them and standing over the ledge to capture this image. It seems this crazy blonde photographer didn’t seem to phase them. Their concentration didn’t break even for a moment.
The game represents a battle between two armies, with the object of capturing the enemy’s general (king). Distinctive features of Xiangqi include the cannon (pao), which must jump to capture; a rule prohibiting the generals from facing each other directly; areas on the board called the river and palace, which restrict the movement of some pieces (but enhance that of others); and placement of the pieces on the intersections of the board lines, rather than within the squares.
I couldn’t get enough of watching this intriguing game!!! Tarzan, on the other hand…was just totally mortified that Jane would climb up on top of them and invade their privacy.
Aaah, a photographers life. LOL!
A beautiful sight to these eyes….remember these?
Traveling down memory lane…too fun.
Laurie
xxoo
Pride in Photos 
I live nearby but I haven’t been to this place. Thanks for sharing the photos. 🙂
Great photos. Especially like seeing those pay phones – don’t see too many of those anymore.
Have a good weekend.
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Your photos are just bustling with life Laurie! Well done. 🙂
I love this post…as someone born in Singapore, I have a real appreciation of all things Chinese…I’m also giggling at the thought of you climbing up and over to get the shot. The sign of a true photographer! Good on ya, girl.
You are full of surprises…born in Singapore?! What a world traveler you are! You even started big☺
Love the overhead chess shot! You’re a brave and confident Jane… I mean photographer 🙂
Been to Boston a zillion times as my husband was born and raised there and we still have family there. Had no idea!!! Fun post!
Love the phone booths. I wonder if they are still there or gone the way of all good phone booths?
You made me laugh! I can see you hovering above these guys and they are so into their game they don’t even notice you! You did get some great shots of Chinese chess. That’s a new one to me. But now I’ve seen a birds eye view of it!
Laurie when were you in Boston? You should have let me know I would have come and meet you!
These are from a couple of years ago…just reminiscing over some great times. I never showed any of my 3000 pictures from this great city. But if I ever come back, I will give you a ring.
Sounds like a plan
Fabulous pictures, lucky you getting to walk through Chinatown. Chinese Chess huh? Geez I never ever got the hang of Chinese Checkers! And GREAT shot of the phone booths! Miss those 🙂
I have nominated you for the Liebster award! Please go to my blog post for the info! I am proud to be your blog friend and you always brighten my day! Hugz Lisa and Bear
I enjoyed your tour and photographs. I never was to Chinatown but have been to Boston many times. I liked how you as a photographer went in for your shot. I can only do that with animals since they never say anything back.
Terrific street scenes!
WOW, stunning photography! I can’t pick a favorite.
I remember when the idea of ‘Chinatown’ was scary. I’m so glad things have changed. And, yes … I remember and love those red telephone boxes!
I love that shot where you climbed on top of them, love that he isn’t wearing shoes…this shot tells such a great story!
Looks like a wonderful place to visit. Great captures. Make me feels as though I was there!
Sometimes there are things you just gotta do to get that photo. Good for you. Chinatown is looking good these days. Years ago when I was in high school I had to walk through there a couple days a week and it wasn’t looking that good.
I had no idea there was a Chinatown in Boston. I love how you played the part of paparazzi to get the shot you wanted 🙂
I really enjoy these photos. I would have loved to have been there when you where getting the shot of the men play Chinese checkers. And the phone booth shot is to fun..
Hugs~
Linda, if you would of been there…we would of been laughing so hard, we would of probably got kicked out♥
Wonderful pics of Chinatown. Laurie. What a fascinating chess game! Glad your antics didn’t ruin their concentration. 🙂
I’m chuckling at the imaginings of Tarzan’s distress. LOL! Great job, Laurie. blessings ~ tanna
What a lovely part of town!
Thank you for taking me to Chinatown, Laurie! The chess game looks really inspiring and also challenging… a lovely perspective showing both gamers. And the phone Booths … Oh boy – think that we don’t see them anymore – but we hear the cell phones beeping constantly.
Those phone booths are a riot and so colourful. You’re right, they aren’t around too much. I locked myself out of our house one day without my cell and had to walk to a local market and ask to use the curtesy phone.
I had a really hard time finding out how to leave a comment but, fortunately, I persevered because I wanted to let you know how much I love these photos you took of Chinatown. Excellent.
Girl, you rock…these shots are just awesome and I can just image you climbing over these men to get that shot…I love it that you bring us so many wonderful shots from such interesting places….love those phone booths….
Nancy, I feel so blessed to have you as a friend! Wouldn’t we have a hoot together getting these shots?!
LOVE the images & moments captured here. Thank you for sharing Chinatown of Boston with us! 🙂
You really got to the heart of the place by watching them played Chinese chess and learned few rules from them too. That was impressive. Thank you for sharing.
This is such a wonderful place to visit, and you have captured so much of its character here, Laurie.
Those Phone Booths are interesting. You must have had a great day wondering round throughout the streets and shops.
I love the phone booths! 🙂
Very interesting and very inspiring photos – perfect captured atmosphere… 🙂
The phone booths are wonderful… 🙂
Wow…what a beautiful place! LOVE that last shot. 🙂
Chinatown is beautiful! That is so cute the players let you stand above them to take pics!! Love the phone booths with Chinese language on them! Awesome!! Very rare find nowadays indeed! You’ve inspired me to go take pics of our China town! Hugz Lisa and Bear
I am so glad Lisa…I will look forward to seeing them!
Great pictures and I can just see you climbing over them to get your great photo! 🙂
☺
The chinese checkers just harkens back to a time before cell phones, doesn’t it? I love that it is an inclusive activity … folks looking on and participating by commenting, So very neat. Love the phone booths too!
Oh! and i love the image of you climbing up and leaning over to take the shot 🙂
OMG – phone booths – was just talking about them last week…and of them being obsolete! The DO NOT ENTER sign is a hoot – I know it’s for the cars….
I would love it there! I love a good Chinatown anywhere! That sounds like Dr. Seuss! LOL! Great images to capture the spirit of the area!
Love the story of how you got the Chinese chess shot – I can’t believe they were completely unphased by you standing on the ledge to get the picture!
Are those pay phones? What are those? Just kidding.
I’ve been to China town in New York and Chicago, but never Boston. I love eating Chinese food!
Beautiful shots, and very colorful.
I visited Boston China Town several years ago, haven’t been there since. Very interesting shots of the Chess play and public phones 🙂
Interesting game, great photos as always, not sure I’d be climbing on these dudes though. 😉
John it was so fun…had to do it.
Gorgeous shots! I especially love those phone booths.
Not sure I would have had the guts to climb over the men playing… but it makes for a great shot… interesting neighborhood…
Great shots! I love how you always open me up to great travel possibilities. Have been to Boston but never to Chinatown. Now I can add that to the “must see” list the next time we visit! 🙂
Kenley
Years ago….I’d write decades ago, but that seems (cough, cough) impossible….I went to a wedding in Boston’s Chinatown. It was one of the most culturally interesting things I’d ever done to that point! The Bride’s family was well off, so the dinner was 7 courses…and we were treated to both a traditional American ceremony, and another ceremony…and then she arrived at the reception in this beautiful red kimono…quite the experience! I’ve only been down there recently to go to the theater – the theater district and Chinatown are quite close…anyhow, should head back to see how it’s changed! (to see if those pay phones are still there!!)
Thank you for sharing this lovely wedding story…what an experience you had♥
When were you here!!?? Such gorgeous shots of a little gem here in Boston!
a couple of years ago…just going back and reminiscing the great times…sigh.
These pockets of other cultures are part of what makes this country so great. Mostly, enjoyed the men at their games.
I would love to explore this Chinatown and maybe eat a meal there. Love the telephone booths – they have so much character.
We were there in August and we had walked so far I just gave up on exploring. Thanks for showing me what I missed.
Really Chinese! Great photos. 🙂