Haymarket is one of Sydney’s most iconic urban villages and has long been recognised as a focal point for Asian food, cultures, and communities both locally and internationally. Haymarket is a CBD activity hub offering a vibrant and unique urban experience, being both part of Central Sydney as one of the City’s growing residential neighbourhoods accessed by two light rail lines. The precinct is home to significant landmarks including Dixon Street (marked by the Chinatown gates), Market City and Paddy’s Market, the Chinese Garden of Friendship and Belmore Park. Haymarket is a well-known destination for entertainment and nightlife and is home to the Capitol Theatre and the famous Sydney Lunar New Year festival and the Friday night markets. The area is of particular significance to the Chinese Australian community. Chinese people began arriving as early as 1818. By the 1920s, the Haymarket area became the social, cultural, and economic centre for Chinese in New South Wales, who were mostly Cantonese speakers. The area became known as Chinatown in the 1970s and was gradually promoted as a tourist destination.

Over time, Haymarket’s population has diversified through immigration from Mandarin-speaking regions of China and South East Asia. Thaitown has emerged around George and Campbell Streets. In addition to being highly diverse, the population is younger than elsewhere in the city. Haymarket is characterised by the prevalence of Asian businesses, vibrant lighting and signage, and busy street life.