Entering beneath the vibrant "Gate of Filial Piety" that characterizes this Chinatown landmark, you will find yourself on a trip back in time. You are no longer navigating the bustling streets of Downtown Los Angeles, but wandering through the quaint streets of Hong Kong. The murmur of Chinese families can be heard from the upstairs windows, barely audible over the rushing water of a 70-year-old wishing well. Though Central Plaza seems ancient with its delicate, Oriental facade, dating back to the late 1930s, it is anything but.
On a Tuesday afternoon, Chinatown's Central Plaza is desolate. On the weekends, however, the square comes to life as visitors explore the plethora of tempting stores and delightful eateries. Authentic Chinese mom-and-pop gift shops offer handmade porcelain crafts, jade sculptures, paintings and books, among other trinkets. Jin Hing Jade Jewelry Antiques displays lavish, gemstone-adorned necklaces in its windows, drawing in curious customers. But, at Golden Dragon Gifts, you will certainly not burn a hole in your pocket as Chinese knick-knacks are sold for just a few dollars.
Meanwhile, Wonder Bakery brews fresh coffee served in a ceramic teapot - a refreshing break from the generic cup of Starbucks. Just around the corner at Phoenix Bakery, pastry chefs add the finishing touches on the famous strawberry whipped cream cake.
"If you're looking for good Chinese food, you come to Chinatown; if [you're] looking for the best, you come to Central Plaza," said Hong Kong Import owner Simon Zhang, suggesting the chicken fried rice from Foo House across the way.
And, as the sun sets, the exploration can continue as the Central Plaza buildings illuminate the night sky. The plaza's entryway is electrifying with its bright neon lights that shatter the darkness, resembling a scene out of "Tokyo Drift." Strings of Chinese lanterns glow above your head just out of reach, adding a more romantic hue
If Central Plaza seems oddly familiar to you that is probably because you have seen it before. The square doubles as a popular filming location for television shows, music videos and blockbuster movies. During the fourth season, "Beverly Hills 90210" characters David and Donna took a trip to Chinatown for their anniversary. The recognizable buildings also serve as a backdrop in an episode of the 1993 series "Melrose Place." More recently, the plaza is briefly featured in Enrique Iglesias's "Heart Attack" music video, which has 41 million views on YouTube.
As for feature films, Chris Tucker orders Chinese take-out from Central Plaza's Foo Chow Restaurant during a scene in "Rush Hour." The eatery even has the words "'Rush Hour' was shot here" plastered across the outside. In Disney's "Freaky Friday," the Chinese restaurant where Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsey Lohan get the fateful fortune cookie that causes them to swap places is actually a Central Plaza store, Realm, which sells home furnishings.
"[Chinatown] is one of my favorite places to film," said Palos Verdes resident and aspiring actor Arian Savar. "You can see the history and the impact it's had on the film industry."
But, the true excitement lies in Central Plaza's dazzling festivals.
February 13 marks the 117th Annual Golden Dragon Parade and Chinese New Year Festival. Free to the public, this grandiose celebration attracts over 100,000 spectators each year, according to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Confetti flies, dragons come to life and fireworks crackle in the streets, promising good fortune and ringing in a happy new year.
From June to August, the events calendar in Central Plaza is dominated by KCRW's Summer Nights - the public radio station's free, all-ages concert series that takes place around the Los Angeles area. With the first band playing at 5 p.m., attendees can catch up to seven performances on the "LA Weekly" Live Music Stage. Concert goers can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks, including the Lobo Truck and Crepe'n Around. Such an extravagant bash surely puts Central Plaza on the map.
Events at the plaza can also be as obscure as the Second Annual LA Siracha Festival, which features LA's spiciest concoctions and will take place Sunday, Oct. 19.