San Gabriel is not exactly a tourist mecca when you compare it to other Southern California hot spots such as Disneyland and Hollywood. (photo by Payton Chung.)
But the Los Angeles Times reports it’s become a must stop for many Chinese tourists visiting Southern California.
“San Gabriel is famous in China,” said David Lee, chief executive of Hing Wa Lee Group. “It has become a brand name destination.”
Chinese tourists yearning for good Chinese food and bilingual services are flocking to the area 12 miles east of Los Angeles.
Chinese-style hotels are even springing up in the area to cater to this clientele.
“No matter where Chinese people go, no matter where they are from, they cannot change their appetite,” said Steve Chiang, a Chinese newspaper publisher.
You can get a flavor of San Gabriel in the Los Angeles Times.