Gateway to Tradition: Exploring Salt Lake Chinatown

Salt Lake Chinatown | Jeremiah Watt

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

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.

"Opened in 2014, Salt Lake Chinatown has become a community hub for restaurants, shops and events."

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

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 festival energy is high as performers take to the floor.

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

"Adults and children alike delighted in the Lion Dance at the annual Lunar New Year Festival and the finale included a grand fireworks display."

"The anchor to the Chinatown complex, the supermarket prides itself on bringing in products and produce from across Asia, including Japan, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, China and more."

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.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

Roast duck on display among the prepared foods.

Photo: Jeremiah Watt

"Purveyors like Mr. Rice, 85C Bakery Cafe and SanFran Burritos are but three of the restaurants that beckon Chinatown visitors with innovative and decorative eats."

"A visit to Salt Lake Chinatown is sure to be met with vibrant sights, sounds and eats. "

About the Photographer – Jeremiah Watt

Jeremiah "Miah" Watt strives to share the power of human experience through compelling photography. He brings a unique perspective of personal experience combining a lifestyle of adventure sport (which originally brought him to photography) and an academic eye cultivated while completing a MFA in photography. Based in Salt Lake City with his wife, son and big dog, his biggest challenge is balancing time on the rock and water with that behind a lens. He splits his time documenting worthwhile endeavors for commercial and conservation clients worldwide and is looking forward to connecting on your latest possibility.

Salt Lake Chinatown

Visit Salt Lake City

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.

Explore Salt Lake