City Living: Chinatown rising

By Patrick Verel | Speical to amNewYork

February 9, 2006

No longer is Chinatown a Chinese neighborhood first and tourist attraction second. The traditionally Cantonese enclave is reinventing itself as a must-see destination as the garment jobs of yore have disappeared.

Restaurants and shops are catering to a new clientel, and, as many Chinese will tell you, the most authentic Chinese food is now found in Flushing or Sunset Park, not on Mott Street.

But while young professionals eager to take advantage of the neighborhood's prime location and unique charm are moving in, Chinatown isn't vanishing. It still feels more Hong Kong than New York. And all along East Broadway newer immigrants from Fujian -- with their distinct language and cuisine -- ensure Chinatown will remain Chinese for a long time to come.

What's Selling:.

- A 391-square-foot one-bedroom condominium on Madison St., $338,000 - A 724-square-foot one-bedroom condominium in an elevator building on Canal St., $400,000 - A 493-square-foot one-bedroom apartment on Henry St., $465,000 - A 810-square-foot two-bedroom apartment on Broadway, $618,000

Rentals:.

- A 420-square-foot one-bedroom on Mott St., $1,400 a month - A 374-square-foot one-bedroom on Madison St., $1,350 a month - A 750-square-foot two-bedroom on Mulberry St., $2,450 a month

Find it:.

Worth St. to the South, Northeast along East Broadway to Seward Park, west along Grand St., continues to Broadway, except for the four-block island around Mulberry St. that comprises what is left of Little Italy.

To shop:.

Canal St.. -- the heart of the neighborhood -- is known as THE place for bargains. A slew of shops, from West Broadway to the Bowery, carry handbags, clothes, jewelry and DVDs galore. Be ready to haggle though, and don¹t be fooled when you¹re offered a "genuine" Burberry bag for $90.

Other Chinese goods along with fresh fish, fruit and vegetables shops are crammed into the warren of narrow streets that comprise the neighborhood.

Ten Ren Tea:. Exotic and rare teas and ginseng are for sale within or to take home. 138 Lafayette St., 212-349-2286

Aji Ichiban:. Roll up your sleeves when you visit any one of this Hong King-based chain stores. 188 Lafayette St, 37 Mott St, 167 Hester St, 23 East Broadway, 153A Center St, 212-571-3755

To eat:.

Tasty Dumpling:. You can barely fit 10 people in this restaurant across the street from Columbus Park, but the authentic Beijing-style dumplings (five for $1), savory pancakes and noddles with soup make it worth the visit. 54 Mulberry St., 212-349-0070

Peking Duck House:. Ranked by the Food Network as one of the top five places to enjoy this classic dish. 28 Mott St, 212-227-1810

Ping's Seafood Restaurant:. Try lobsters, eels, scallops, sea bass and shrimp. 20 East Broadway, 212-965-0808

Skyway:V Skyway takes its name from a ride at a Malaysian resort, and its specialty is noodles. 11 Allen St., 212-625-1163

To see:.