Chinatown

Chinatown is situated to the south of Shaftesbury Avenue, centred on Gerrard Street. The underlying townscape in this area shares a similar history and architectural style to that of Soho, to the north of Shaftsbury Avenue, comprising a core of modest Georgian houses, intermixed with some later buildings and pubs. Yet the area has a unique character derived in large part from its pattern of land uses.

Almost all ground floor premises are occupied by Chinese or East Asian restaurants, or small businesses, which have acted as a focal point for London's Chinese community. The streetscape is characterised by an overlay of ornament, bright colour and Chinese characters. The temple gateways at each end of Gerrard Street and one in Macclesfield Street help to define the sense of entering a distinct character area in this part of London.

The Chinatown Conservation Area was designated in 2005.