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Bike and
Ride
There are bike
racks at all Metro Gold Line Stations. At some stations
there are also bike lockers. Bikes may also be taken
onto the trains. |
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Chinatown
Station
Nearest cross
streets:
N. Spring St. and Alameda
Schedule:
Every 15 minutes during daytime
The Chinatown Gold Line Station is
elevated. It provides a spectacular 360 degree view from Chinatown and Downtown on the west to the
distant mountains near Palm Springs on the east.
The station itself
is a simplified version of traditional Chinese
architecture in primary colors. One level below the
platform you will find Chusien Chang's large circular
interpretation of the I Ching embedded in the floor.
Two blocks away, however, the
architecture is not simplified at all. Instead,
Chinatown's streets, alleys and plazas are a vibrant showcase of
historic Chinese architecture with elaborate detail and color.
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Some colors
are definitely non-traditional like the shocking pink
exterior which reveals the influence of the Mexican
color palette. |
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And this building
near the central plaza is a celebration of green and
yellow. |
Chinatown does not really wake up and
get going much before noon. There are nightclubs along
with curio shops and restaurants at every turn.
In
recent years a few contemporary art galleries have moved into
the neighborhood because of cheap rents. You can find these
galleries in the back of Chungking Plaza, but they
keep irregular hours.
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If you visit the area on a Saturday
afternoon, you may find some of the galleries open. And if they
are not open, drop in at one of the many restaurants and
enjoy. |
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