The Confucius Statue

Pell Street - Home of the Flying Dragons

Mott Street - Welcome to Chinatown Sign

Touring across Division Street

The Chinatown Underworld Experience

Unique Experience

Joined 2025

Roger L.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

New York

English (Native)

2 hours

Private tour (only you and Roger L.)

Up to 10 people

Discover Chinatown’s hidden history of gangs and power. On this premium tour, we’ll step into a real former gang hideout and explore the dramatic stories that shaped these streets. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from former gang members and the police who confronted them, bringing to life the tension, danger, and resilience of old Chinatown. I’ll connect these untold stories with the neighborhood you see today, showing how a community once divided by crime grew into the vibrant place it is now.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

11:30 AM

Meeting Point

Chinatown

- Opening Scene: Meet your licensed guide in the heart of Chinatown. A quick briefing sets the stage for a journey into a world most never see.

East Broadway

Step Into History: Walk down storied streets where Chinatown’s past comes alive — secret deals, hidden power, and survival in the city.

Mott Street and Bayard

Behind the Curtain: Exclusive access to hear from those who lived it — former gang members, retired police, and community voices who shaped the neighborhood.

Pell Street

The Hidden Door: Visit a site that once served as a gang hideout. The walls may be quiet now, but the stories echo.

Bowery

The Final Chapter: We end at a landmark steeped in history, tying the past to the present. Guests leave with a deeper understanding — and stories they’ll never forget.

Ending Point

Cafe Diem | 37 Bowery

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

• Licensed private guide fee

• Fully customized storytelling experience with access to exclusive locations tied to Chinatown’s historic underworld

• Opportunities to meet and hear directly from former gang members and retired police officers who were involved in those stories

• Entry into a former gang hideout (when available)

• Time for Q&A and discussion

What‘s not included

• Meals, drinks, or snacks

• Hotel pick-up or drop-off

• Personal expenses (souvenirs, shopping, etc.)

• Tips/gratuities for guide or guest speakers (optional, but appreciated)

Tour Important Information

• This tour involves a lot of walking, so please wear comfortable shoes.

• Not recommended for those with severe back, knee, or mobility issues.

• Some locations may include stairs, narrow hallways, or uneven sidewalks.

• Parts of the experience take place in historic buildings that may not be wheelchair accessible.

• Tours run rain or shine, so please bring weather-appropriate clothing (umbrella, poncho, water in summer).

• This is an intimate, small-group experience designed for storytelling and interaction. You’ll be stepping into real historic spaces and hearing first-hand accounts from people who lived this history.

Important message from the supplier

A Note on Weekend Tours

If you book a weekend tour, you’ll be guided by my business partner, Bernice. She grew up with her own ties to the neighborhood and has amazing stories to share.

Bernice brings a personal touch, weaving in memories and insights that give you a different but equally rich perspective on the community. Guests always love her warmth, humor, and the way she makes history feel alive.

Whether you’re with me during the week or with Bernice on weekends, you’ll get the same care, passion, and authentic storytelling. We work closely together to make sure every tour feels special.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Roger L.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Roger L.

I’m Roger, founder of tour company which offers an amazing experience in Chinatown. I am a 6-time Emmy Award-winning producer. Raised in Manhattan’s Chinatown, I lead immersive experiences like the Chinatown Underworld Experience and The Flavors of Asia, revealing the hidden stories, culture, and cuisine of this historic NYC neighborhood. My tours are provided by myself and occasionally by my best fellow guide Bernice.