Most People Don't Even Know This Little-Known Destination In Cleveland Even Exists
By Nikki Rhoades|Published July 19, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Perhaps one of the coolest things about Cleveland is that it’s a true melting pot of cultures. Sure, it’s no NYC, but there’s a great deal of cultural diversity here that has shaped the vibe and personality of the city. As the Cleveland Cultural Gardens demonstrate, people from all around the world have put down roots in Cleveland… but this is arguably best demonstrated in the unique neighborhoods and cultural enclaves around town. In ethnic corners of the city, food, landmarks, and art create an international atmosphere that helps locals travel the world without ever leaving the city. The art in Cleveland’s AsiaTown is particularly gaga-worthy, and some of it may genuinely surprise you. Today, we’re going to take a virtual visit to one AsiaTown feature that many locals don’t even know about. This hidden gem in Cleveland is one for the bucket list!
Cleveland's AsiaTown is known for its energy, its food, and its abundance of art.
Like Polish Village or Little Italy, this Cleveland enclave gets its name from the early immigrants that settled its streets. Back in the day, it was known as Chinatown, but immigrants from all over Asia came to the area in the 1960s and 1970s, ultimately changing the local cultural scene. While the area was impacted by Cleveland's economic decline of the era, it has since rebounded. Today, locals go here for authentic eats, fascinating shops, and energetic celebrations like the Cleveland Asian Festival.
And its proximity to Downtown Cleveland makes this neighborhood an easy stop on any local bucket list.
AsiaTown is one of my favorite communities in Cleveland, as it's an incredible foodie-centric destination. I love stocking up on bakery items at its markets, and perusing its unique offerings is a favorite pastime of mine. Some visitors rave about the local ramen selection, as it puts big box stores to shame.
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Cleveland's AsiaTown is a fun place to drive around and admire art, as there's no shortage of it.
Unlike many Cleveland roadside attractions, you won't find most of the art in AsiaTown on any maps. Many pieces of art are sponsored by local businesses, and it's simply considered part of the vibe. However, to infrequent visitors, this colorful Cleveland neighborhood has much to offer.
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But one piece of local art was quietly unveiled circa 2014, and it has been catching visitors by surprise ever since.
Located in the heart of what was once considered Chinatown, these twelve statues pay homage to the Chinese zodiac. They're often obscured from view by parked cars, but they're a lovely piece of art that often catches visitors by surprise.
Unlike the standard month-by-month zodiac most Americans know, the Chinese zodiac assigns signs on a twelve-year basis.
In the Chinese zodiac, signs are represented by real or mythological animals. From the rat to the dragon to the tiger, these animal signs coincide with personal attributes like charisma, endurance, and enthusiasm.
In this piece of ancient Chinese folklore, the Jade Emporer challenges 12 animals to a race. He'll name the years in calendar after each in the order that they reach him. The creatures face the challenge of crossing a river, which many of the animals are not particularly suited to do. Using their natural instincts, a bit of persuasion, and even charm, the animals make it across the river and finish the race one-by-one. (With the exception of a competing cat, but you can go down that rabbit hole when you're ready to fell a little bit sad.) The rat, defying all odds, arrived to the finish line first, and the pig came in last after snacking and taking a mid-race nap.
The statues are positioned on Rockwell Avenue right across from an old strip mall, so you can explore a few local restaurants during your visit.
This stretch, which is located near the intersection of East 21st Street, is one of many business clusters in the neighborhood. If you can budget a bit of time to explore, there's more to see throughout the area.
One of the closest businesses to the Rockwell Avenue zodiac statues is Sichuan Hot Pot, a deliciously authentic spot specializing in soup-food.
The concept is simple: a simmering pot of broth is surrounded by raw foods you can dip and cook right at your table. It's a yummy way to get the freshest food possible, and it's also a tradition that has been practiced since at least the Zhou dynasty (somewhere between 1046 BCE and 256 BCE).
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The Rockwell Avenue zodiac statues in Cleveland are a true hidden gem...
Many locals haven't been through the area since these beauties were unveiled, and others may have visited but missed the petite landmarks due to parked cars. Nonetheless, they're a cool roadside attraction in Cleveland that's well worth the visit.
...and they're just one of many features in AsiaTown waiting to knock your socks off.
There's so much to discover in this cool Cleveland neighborhood!
There’s so much to see when it comes to art in Cleveland’s AsiaTown, and these cool statues on Rockwell Avenue are just the tip of the iceberg. What’s your favorite attraction in AsiaTown? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Want to make the most out of your visit? Playhouse Square is just a five-minute drive from this neighborhood, and it’s an incredible spot to spend an evening in Cleveland.
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