Chinatown, Las Vegas

Exit Spring Mountain

Las Vegas's Chinatown is a bustling three-mile stretch along Spring Mountain Road that's become a destination for foodies and travelers in-the-know. A long-time favorite of hospitality industry workers getting off their shifts, it's home to bakeries, bars, karaoke, and restaurants from around the world. But how did Chinatowns get their start in America, and what prejudices drove their creation? How is the Las Vegas Chinatown—and other suburban Chinatowns anchored in strip mall architecture—different?

In this episode, you'll hear from Sharon Hwang, co-owner of Chinatown Plaza and daughter of Henry Hwang, one of Las Vegas Chinatown's founders. UNLV Professor and Director of Asian and Asian American studies Mark Padoongpatt tells us about the history of Chinatowns in America—and the racism that made them spaces of contention long into the present day. A young entrepreneur, Antonio Cheon, shares the opportunities and hopes he sees in the growing neighborhood where barriers to entry are lower than traditional tourist neighborhoods. What, ultimately, do spaces like Chinatowns mean to Asian Americans and the cities they're in?

Exit Spring Mountain is a podcast from Nevada Public Radio. Our team includes executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson, host Lorraine Blanco Moss, assistant producer Nessa Concepcion, academic research consultant Mark Padoongpatt, research assistant Karley Call, and news director Joe Schoenmann. Sound editing, mixing and mastering is by Regina Revazova of Open Conversation. Special thanks to siblings Fung and Paiyo for speaking to us outside of 99 Ranch Market.