This Week in Chinatown: February 21 – 2024

This Week in Chinatown

What’s New In Chinatown

Welcome to this week’s edition of This Week in Chinatown, brought to you by Chinatownvegas.com!

Dive into the vibrant heart of Las Vegas as we explore the latest happenings, culinary delights, and cultural festivities in Chinatown. From exciting events to hidden gems, stay tuned for a glimpse into the rich tapestry of experiences awaiting you in this dynamic community

Vegas Valley Heats Up, But Can We Talk About These Cones First?

Cones on Spring Mountain and Decatur for have been there for 2+ years. This photo from This Week in Chinatown from January 6 of 2022

Spring is finally springing in Sin City, and Chinatown is ready to blossom alongside it! But before we dive into all the exciting events and delicious new dishes, let’s address the elephant in the (construction) room, or should we say, the traffic cone. We all know Nevada adopted the mighty pylon as its state bird, but come on, this is getting ridiculous. They have been at that intersection for 2+ years!

Remember back in November of 2022, (Yes, 2022!) when we naively hoped those two “upgraded” intersections on Decatur and Spring Mountain would be cone-free by now? Yeah, about that… It’s been 2+ years, folks, and the construction zone blues are still going strong. Not only are tourists braving a labyrinth of orange obstacles, but the traffic light timing seems to be stuck in a pre-construction time warp, causing backups worthy of a championship poker game.

And don’t even get us started on the ahem “interesting” road conditions around Decatur and Spring Mountain. Let’s say your car might think it’s on a desert safari, not a leisurely cruise down the Strip. What does it take to patch these potholes up, until they finally find time to pave?

Alright, rant over. Now, onto the good stuff! Because despite the cone-apocalypse, Chinatown remains the vibrant heart of Las Vegas.

This way to Chinatown Vegas

Lunar New Year Lights Up as the Spring Festival Springs to Life

The Jiu Tian Music Ensemble | Photo: Shannon Yang

This past weekend, the heart of Chinatown Plaza came alive with the vibrant festivities of the Lunar New Year celebration, hosted by the AAPI Chamber. Located just a few minutes north of Chinatown Plaza on Spring Mountain Road, the Desert Springs Community Center also held a delightful spring festival. From live performances to traditional dances, both events offered a rich tapestry of cultural experiences for all to enjoy.

Happy Face Dance Studio: Photo Shannon Yang | chinatownvegas.com

Exciting news alert! Ton Shau, an authentic Japanese katsu restaurant, has just opened its doors in The Center at Spring Mountain. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey through the art of crispy, tender katsu delights.

Stay tuned for a full report on this delectable addition to Chinatown next week. Get ready to indulge in the irresistible flavors of Ton Shau!

Gyu+ Makes a Move: Japanese-Inspired Sandos Coming to Restaurant Row at The Center!

Calling all sando lovers! Get ready to welcome Gyu+ to Restaurant Row at The Center at Spring Mountain. Word on the street is that this popular spot specializing in Japanese-inspired sandos and rice boxes is moving its Henderson location to the corner of Wynn and Renate, taking over the space formerly occupied by Vegas Noodle House and daGemi Italian Restaurant.

This exciting move brings Gyu+’s delicious creations right into the heart of Chinatown, joining neighbors like Baby Stack and solidifying “Restaurant Row” as a must-visit destination for foodies. We can’t wait to savor their unique sandos and flavorful rice boxes in this vibrant new location! Stay tuned for opening date announcements and get ready to experience the Gyu+ magic closer than ever before. You can also follow them on their Instagram and visit their website at gyuplus.com

GYU+

3516 Wynn Rd

Golden Dragon Park Emerges in Chinatown Rebranding

In a swift transformation, Mountain Point Business Park West has shed its former identity, emerging anew as the Golden Dragon Plaza. This rebranding initiative seeks to alleviate the confusion sparked by the proliferation of similarly named establishments in Chinatown, such as the Asian Pacific Plaza, Pacific Asian Plaza, and various iterations of Spring Mountain Center.

Golden Dragon Plaza

The decision to rename the plaza reflects a strategic effort to distinguish itself within the vibrant tapestry of Chinatown’s commercial landscape. By adopting a name deeply rooted in Chinese cultural symbolism, Golden Dragon Plaza aims to carve out its unique identity while celebrating the rich heritage of the community it serves.

Residents and business owners alike anticipate the rebranding with optimism, hopeful that it will streamline navigation and enhance the overall shopping experience. As Golden Dragon Plaza prepares to unveil its refreshed facade and signage, anticipation mounts for what promises to be a new chapter in the evolution of this bustling hub of commerce and culture. Stay tuned for updates as the transformation unfolds!

Gashapon at GoGo Crane Arcade

More news from the recently renamed Golden Dragon Plaza! Joining our vibrant neighborhood is the newest arcade sensation – Go-Go Crane Arcade, home to the beloved Japanese phenomenon, Gashapon (ガシャポン)!

Originating in the 1960s, Gashapon quickly captured hearts in Japan and beyond, becoming a beloved pastime for enthusiasts of all ages. The name “Gashapon” itself is an onomatopoeic expression, evoking the delightful sounds of hand-cranking action and the satisfying “pon” as the toy capsule lands in the collection tray.

At Go-go Crane Arcade, prepare to embark on a whimsical journey filled with the thrill of anticipation as you try your luck at these iconic vending machines. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply seeking a touch of nostalgia, Gashapon offers an irresistible blend of surprise and delight.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Go-go Crane Arcade as it adds a playful touch to the vibrant tapestry of Golden Dragon Plaza. Stay tuned for more updates as we explore the latest offerings in our dynamic neighborhood!

Whip X Las Vegas is Whipping Up Excitement: Grand Opening in Chinatown

Remember the buzz we shared about Whip X Las Vegas coming to Chinatown? Well, the wait is over! This exciting new spot, serving uniquely crafted drinks and delicious modern Vietnamese cuisine, has officially whipped up its grand opening and is ready to welcome you.

Previously housed in the Sugar Mama space at 5960 Spring Mountain Rd., Whip X has transformed it into a cozy haven for coffee lovers, hungry foodies, and anyone seeking good company. Dive into their warm, inviting atmosphere and lose yourself in the aroma of perfectly brewed coffee or the tempting scents of modern Vietnamese dishes.

More than just a cafe, Whip X aspires to be a vibrant community hub. Connect with friends, unwind after a long day, or simply savor the good vibes – Whip X welcomes you with open arms.

So, raise a glass (or a bowl of noodles!) to Whip X Las Vegas! Head down to 5960 Spring Mountain Rd. and experience the unique blend of good food, good drinks, and good company that awaits. We can’t wait to see you there!

Whip X | Commerce Corner

Introducing a new feature in “This Week in Chinatown” – the Featured Dish of the Week!

Classic Hunane eggplant with preserved egg (century egg), garlic and chili

This week, we’re thrilled to highlight the mouthwatering Mashed Eggplant with Preserved Egg from Xiang Wei Xuan 湘味轩（湘菜遇上桂林米粉, nestled in the heart of Commerce Corner at 6000 Spring Mountain Rd.

Hailing from the culinary traditions of Hunanese cuisine, this delectable dish is a celebration of bold flavors and tantalizing textures. Loaded with garlic and smoked chilis, the eggplant is served in a traditional pestle and mortar, inviting you to unleash your inner chef as you mash it to perfection.

Hunanese cuisine is renowned for its hot and sour notes, fresh aromas, and deep, rich colors – and this dish embodies these characteristics with gusto. The marriage of tender eggplant and savory preserved egg creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Whether you’re an eggplant lover or simply seeking a culinary adventure, the Mashed Eggplant with Preserved Egg at Xiang Wei Xuan is a must-try. Priced at $15.95, it’s an affordable indulgence that promises to elevate your palate to new heights.

Xiang Wei Xuan

6000 Spring Mountain Rd
(702) 888-3666

As always, Chinatown continues to buzz with energy and innovation, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and culinary delights. Remember, what happens in Chinatown, happens here. See you next week for more “This Week in Chinatown” adventures in this dynamic community!

Subscribe to Chinatown’s New YouTube Channel

In our ongoing efforts to promote and highlight what we feel is the best Chinatown anywhere, we have launched a YouTube Channel to capture it.

The channel plans on featuring businesses, food, chefs, breaking news, street reports, and much more. Chinatown Vegas’ YouTube Channel hopes to capture a real sense feel of what it’s like to visit the super-fast growing Chinatown.