Visit any Chinatown in the world and you'll be treated to a banquet for your senses -- from delicious food to pagoda-style architecture. And, yes, I said "any Chinatown in the world." There are many, you know. Oh, you didn't. Okay, well, here are some of the best Chinatowns in the world, in case you'd like to visit them all.

San Francisco Chinatown:

This is probably the most well-known Chinatown to people in the western part of the U.S. It's the largest Chinatown on the West Coast and one of San Francisco's biggest tourist attractions. The history of this Chinatown dates back to the gold rush days of the mid 1800s. Although they were not allowed in the mines, Chinese immigrants built laundries and restaurants to serve the growing city. Today the area is about eight blocks long, and the best time to visit is usually mid-day. Don't attempt to drive through the area through the area unless you're used to driving through crowded streets. It's really best to visit on foot, so you can visit all the shops. Don't miss the small exotic shops that you'll find on the narrow streets, to look for the best bargains.

New York City Chinatown:

Found in lower Manhattan, Chinatown in New York takes up two square miles and is the largest Chinatown in the U.S. Founded by Chinese sailors and traders in the mid 18th century; the population was small and transient. It wasn't until the Californian Gold Rush that large numbers of Chinese immigrants came to the U.S. After racial tension created problems in the West, immigrants moved back east for safety and employment. Today its overcrowded and narrow streets are both a tourist attraction and home to the largest population of Chinese New Yorkers. You'll find restaurants, open air markets and shops selling everything from silks to herbal products to high fashion.

Chicago Chinatown:

Chicago Chinatown consists of 11 square blocks and is now the 3rd largest Chinatown in the United States. A popular attraction in Chicago Chinatown is Chinatown Square, located just north of the main Wentworth Ave District (the main Chinatown Street). Chinatown Square is a 2-story outdoor mall with shops and restaurants. Many tourists like to go to Chinatown Square to see the 12 statues of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. While in the area for lunch, stop by the Phoenix Restaurant at 2131 S. Archer Avenue for dim sum.

Singapore Chinatown:

In a city already predominated by Chinese people, an area named "Chinatown" may seem rather redundant. But Chinatown here is one of the most active and vibrant in the entire world. Here you'll enjoy a feast for your palette as well as your eyes. Enjoy exotic dining, brightly painted buildings, nightly cultural activities and shopping.

Toronto Chinatown:

Sam Ching's Chinese laundry, downtown, launched the oldest of the six Chinatowns in the metro area of Toronto. Begun in the 1870's, Chinatown Toronto is famous for over 500 Chinese restaurants, and numerous shops selling jade and pearls, as well as electronics.

Melbourne Chinatown:

Chinatown in Melbourne, Australia also dates back to a mid-19th century gold rush. It combines the best of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean cultures in a busy, bustling environment full of history. The best time to visit Chinatown Melbourne is at night, when the decorative streetlights are ablaze, lanterns are lit in restaurant windows, and wind chimes and neon lights are dazzling. Your biggest problem will be deciding where to go first!

Chinese festivals are celebrated in every Chinatown, and if you happen to find yourself in one of the world's Chinatowns during one, consider yourself lucky. Celebrations include lion dances, fireworks, and parades.