Salt Lake Chinatown   |  Jeremiah Watt
A Photo Essay

Gateway to Tradition: Exploring Salt Lake Chinatown

Local photographer Jeremiah Watt takes a visual journey inside this Salt Lake mainstay of Asian culture and community.

Photography By Jeremiah Watt

Salt Lake City’s State Street leads from the steps of the Utah State Capitol Building, through downtown Salt Lake, and into the urban heart of the Wasatch Front. It's a vibrant route, known for an eclectic array of restaurants and retail outlets. And perhaps one of the more standout sights for visitors is the paifang, or traditional Chinese gateway that’s found at ​​3390 South State Street in South Salt Lake.

Marking the threshold to Salt Lake Chinatown, the paifang is an entryway to something truly unique to the area. Stretching 5.7 acres, the Chinatown complex is home to an array of shops, restaurants and retail fronts. And the space is anchored by the Chinatown Supermarket, a 30,000 square foot Asian market, committed to providing high-quality produce, seafood and more than 6,000 products unique to Asian countries. Opened in 2014 by owner Andrew So, the complex has become a hub for the Asian community. While the shops and restaurants are open year-round, perhaps two of the most exciting times to visit are during the annual Lunar New Year Festival in February and the Mid Autumn Festival in September. Join local photographer Jeremiah Watt for a visual journey inside this Salt Lake mainstay of Asian culture and tradition.

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Chinatown Supermarket owner Andrew So, pictured with his mom, developed the Chinatown complex alongside his family.

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Chinatown hosts festivals during the year, including an annual Lunar New Year Festival in February complete with a Lion dance, a lucky draw and fireworks.

The Chinatown festivals draw an array of local music and dance performers.

The Chinatown festivals draw an array of local music and dance performers.

The festival energy is high as performers take to the floor.

The festival energy is high as performers take to the floor.

Salt Lake-based community group Kenshin Taiko performs on traditional Japanese taiko drums.​

Salt Lake-based community group Kenshin Taiko performs on traditional Japanese taiko drums.​

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Visitors to the Chinatown Supermarket can delight in over 6,000 products unique to Asian countries.

Visitors to the Chinatown Supermarket can delight in over 6,000 products unique to Asian countries.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Owner Andrew So also touts the store-made goods, like the Hong Kong Sesame Balls made with a red bean paste.

Owner Andrew So also touts the store-made goods, like the Hong Kong Sesame Balls made with a red bean paste.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Roast duck on display among the prepared foods.

Roast duck on display among the prepared foods.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

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Salt Lake Chinatown

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Salt Lake City makes a great gateway for travelers making a trip to Utah's ski resorts or southward to Utah’s renowned red rock country. Frequently referred to as the "Crossroads of the West," its location is also ideal for longer roadtrips northward to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Though as those who attempt to pass through often find, you'll frequently talk yourself into staying longer than you expected.

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