For several years, Ruben Chen has held tours for locals and visitors through the underground ChinaTown area in Mexicali known as La Chinesca.

The effort has provided national recognition after a recent visit of Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco and the National Recognition in Innovation for Mexican Tourist Products 2022 in the Cultural Tourism category.

The award was based on results obtained after thousands of visitors had enjoyed touring the area.

In a prepared statement the state said Mexicali’s ChinaTown has become a site of national reference.

Chen said through the statement the area has seen a significant rehabilitation effort that has been financially supported by the Chinese community. With better infrastructure and an improved security in the downtown area more visitors had dared to tour the area, Chen said.