Things to Do in San Francisco California’s Chinatown
San Francisco’s iconic Chinatown is the oldest Chinese community in North America and the largest outside of Asia. It was established in 1848 and was the starting point for most Chinese immigrants. The area was once a ghetto; it was destroyed during the 1906 earthquake and was rebuilt to be a tourist attraction. Today it is home to 15,000 Chinese in a 20-block area; it is the densest neighborhood in California. 75% of tourists visit San Francisco California’s Chinatown making the area more frequented than the Golden Gate Bridge.
READ Things to Do in San Francisco
Things to Do in San Francisco California’s Chinatown
Enter Chinatown through the Dragon Gate. This authentic pagoda-topped gate of dragons, fish, and lions is constructed from materials donated by the Republic of China in 1969. The large center passageway is for dignitaries and the 2 small side passages are for commoners.
Grant Avenue is the main street for tourists and is full of beautiful architecture and souvenir shops. Red lanterns drape across the street; look up and notice the golden dragons on the street lights. Stop in Far East Flea Market to buy souvenir paper lanterns.
No visit to San Francisco’s Chinatown is complete without a stop at Golden Gate Bakery for their famous egg tarts. Also, consider stopping at Ten Ren Tea for a tea tasting. Nearby Portsmouth Square is the birthplace of San Francisco. It is common to see locals practicing Tai Chi in this park. Other architecture to see is the East-West Bank and the Nam Kue School.
Stockton Street is the main street for locals. It is full of markets for live produce and exotic fruit. Many restaurants have whole-roasted poultry hanging in the windows. Eat at New Moon Restaurant and Good Mong Kok Bakery or take a food tour.
Waverly Place is a beautiful street with painted balconies and temples. Spofford Alley is full of Chinese associations and social clubs. Be sure to visit Tin How Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in the US. It was founded in 1852 to honor the Goddess of Heaven and Sea.
Wander the alleys and check out the street art. Do not miss Golden Gate Fortune Cookies in Ross Alley. This small store produces 20,000 cookies a month by hand. Watch the process and enjoy warm free samples. You can also create your own fortune for a unique souvenir from San Francisco’s Chinatown.
Check the San Francisco Chinatown website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in San Francisco California’s Chinatown
Plan Your Trip to San Francisco California
San Francisco California Travel Guide
Pick up a San Francisco California Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in San Francisco California Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
San Francisco Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!