Explore 3 NYC Chinatowns: In Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan

Chinatown has long been a popular destination for tourists in Lower Manhattan. But visitors willing to explore the city's outer boroughs might consider a subway ride to neighborhoods in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, or Flushing, Queens, which are also home to large Asian populations and bustling commercial strips dotted with restaurants and shops.

All three neighborhoods also host events connected to Lunar New Year. The holiday is officially marked on Feb 19 but several parades and other festivities are planned for the weekend of Feb 21-22. Here are some details on the holiday and the three Chinatowns.

Each Lunar New Year has a different animal symbol from the 12 creatures in the Chinese zodiac. But this year's animal is subject to interpretation.