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More ultra-short walks

Little Newport Street

Charing Cross Road

A one minute walk from Leicester Square station

London ultra-short walk (16)

The sea of red lanterns on the left marks the edge of London’s world-famous Chinatown, but this neighbourhood has only been the centre of Chinese culture since the 1950s.

London’s first Chinatown was actually miles away in Limehouse in the East End, established by Chinese sailors in the late 19th century, but this area was largely destroyed during bombing raids in World War II.

Returning soldiers and new immigrants came into the West End in the mid-20th century because of cheap rents in a neighbourhood that was badly rundown after the war. British soldiers returning from the Far East had developed a taste for Chinese cuisine, which helped to establish the restaurant scene which continues to this day.