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Chinatown has undergone a renaissance in recent years. This tight-knit, mostly Asian community fought the seedy presence of the "Combat Zone" and has transformed itself into an area filled with theater, culture and restaurants.

Chinatown is a place where a burgeoning art community thrives; where a designer can buy yards and yards of fabric and sewing notions; where new age health nuts can get pure ginseng; and where lovers of dim sum swoon.

The giant Beach Street archway welcomes visitors to a colorful, bustling array of Asian bakeries, gift shops, and markets that sell live poultry. Often these food markets have freshly killed pigs or hens hanging in their windows.

Popular events in Chinatown include Chinese New Year and the August Moon Festival, where the throngs of visitors enjoy the parade of dragons, bands, and firecrackers.

The theater district contains the Charles Playhouse, (74-78 Warrenton Street, 426-6912) which includes The Comedy Connection, Blue Man Group, as well as the longest running non-musical play, Shear Madness.

The majestic Colonial Theater (106 Boylston Street, 426-9366) is a delight. Dreamy murals, chandeliers that sparkle like diamonds and lovely gilded mirrors decorate the theater’s interior.

Just down the road is the Wang Center for the Performing Arts (268 Tremont Street, 931-2000) a glorious theater that’s home to the Boston Ballet. The Wilbur Theater 246 Tremont Street, 423-4008) is smaller and more intimate. The Shubert Theater (265 Tremont Street, 426-4520) hosts some wonderful plays, as does the Emerson Majestic Theater. (219 Tremont Street 578-8727) For music, check out the Orpheum Theater. (1 Hamilton Place, 679-0810)

Nearby this vibrant region are some of Boston’s finest hotels, like the Four Seasons (200 Boylston Street, 338-4400) and the Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers. (64 Arlington Street, 426-2000)

You’ll find some wonderful, authentic restaurants, like favorites Chau Chow Seafood and Grand Chau Chow, across the street from each other (52,45 Beach Street) Order the clams in black bean sauce and you won’t be sorry.

If you’ve never tried it before, dim sum is a delight of appetizers, steaming dumplings and other bite-sized treats. Some say the best dim sum is at Golden Palace Restaurant, 14 Tyler Street, 423-4565) but don’t ignore China Pearl (9 Tyler Street, 426-4338) or Imperial Seafood Restaurant. (70 Beach Street, 426-8439)

A must for any visitor who craves fresh New England fish is the famous Legal Seafoods (800 Boylston Street, 266-6800) as well as some other fine gourmet restaurants.

Over at cluster of clubs tightly packed over at One Boylston Place is a tight area of hot dance clubs like Zanzibar and the Alley Cat Lounge. Head over to the Roxy (279 Tremont Street, 338-7699) for some serious dancing.