Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors
Hing Hay Park
A vibrant community hub in Seattle's Chinatown-International District, featuring an iconic red gateway and serving as the center for cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year.
What is Hing Hay Park known for?
Hing Hay Park is a community gathering place in Seattle’s Chinatown–International District known for hosting festivals like the annual Lunar New Year and Summer Dragonfest. It is also a popular spot for local families, quiet morning meditations, and martial arts practitioners.
What are the hours for Hing Hay Park?
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Is it free to visit?
Yes, admission to Hing Hay Park is free.
What are the main features of the park?
The park features a pavilion, community games, and a cultural performance space with custom integrated seating. A key architectural highlight is an asymmetrical, perforated red metal gateway inspired by Asian paper-cutting and folding traditions.
Are there restrooms available?
A public restroom is located within the adjacent Bush Hotel, but it is only open to the public when a concierge is present at the park.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
Hing Hay Park is a public park located in the heart of Seattle's Chinatown-International District. Originally built in 1973, the space has evolved into a vital community gathering place. The park's name, which translates to "Celebrate Happiness Public Park" or "Park for Pleasurable Gatherings," reflects its role as a center for local families and martial arts practitioners. In 2018, the park underwent a significant expansion and renovation designed by Kongjian Yu with SvR Design Company. This project doubled the size of the 0.64-acre space and added a cultural performance space with custom integrated seating. The design, which received awards from the ASLA Washington Chapter and APA Washington Chapter, was guided by concepts of inclusion and celebration. One of the most striking architectural features is the asymmetrical, perforated red metal gateway. This structure is inspired by Asian paper-cutting and folding traditions, providing a bold visual marker for the park. The park slopes west, framed by city streets on three sides, and is divided into two integrated sections. Beyond its architectural merit, the park serves as a primary venue for major cultural events. It hosts the annual Lunar New Year and Summer Dragonfest celebrations, as well as free outdoor movie screenings during the summer. The park is part of the Seattle Chinatown Historic District, though it is identified as a noncontributing property within that district.
Visitor tips
- Visit between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily to access the park.
- Check local event calendars for the annual Lunar New Year or Summer Dragonfest celebrations.
- The public restroom is located in the adjacent Bush Hotel and is only open when a concierge is present.
Nearby context
Hing Hay Park is centrally located within the Chinatown-International District, serving as a focal point for the neighborhood's cultural and community activities, surrounded by local businesses and the historic Bush Hotel.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Hing Hay Park - Seattle.gov
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
seattle.gov -
Hing Hay Park Restroom Renovation - Seattle.gov
The restroom will be open to the public when a concierge is present at the park.
seattle.gov -
Lunar New Year Celebration | Seattle Chinatown-International District
Celebrate the beginning of a new year with one of Seattle's largest event that showcases diversity, richness, and culture of the Asian comm…
seattlechinatownid.com -
Free Movies in the Park at Hing Hay Park - Seattle's Child
Join this summer for FREE movies in the park at 12 locations across the city.
seattleschild.com -
Growing Hing Hay Park - Urban Commons Lab
Located at the heart of Seattle’s Chinatown International District, Hing Hay Park has been an important space of celebration for the commun…
commons.be.uw.edu -
Hing Hay Park - TCLF
Designed by Kongjian Yu with SvR Design Company (now MIG) beginning in 2013, this .64-acre rectilinear park occupies half-a-block in the ci…
tclf.org