[1] Chinatown plays a key role in the development of Southport, recognised as the city's central business district,[2] however the popularity of the precinct is much smaller compared to its larger counterparts in Brisbane or Sydney.

In 2012 local property owners on Young Street voted to establish Chinatown through the Centre Improvement Program process within their precinct.

[3] Streetscape improvements were completed by the City in 2014, including widened footpaths, new footpath and street lighting, landscaping reflecting Feng Shui principals, event power and water connections, upgrades to underground services, undergrounding of overhead power lines and flush kerb and channels.

"Pandamonium" was designed by artists David Renn and John Cox as part of the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation’s "Animals with Attitude Sculpture Trail".

The precinct is well serviced by public transport with the Southport light rail station being ideally located on the northern entrance on the corner of Nerang and Davenport Street.

The station is serviced by the Gold Coast's G:link light rail network and is a major interchange with bus connections.