Chinatown in San Francisco

San Francisco's Chinatown is the iconic Chinatown, the one people think of when they hear the term, and offers 24 blocks of culture, shops, eateries, and history. It's the oldest Chinatown in North America and is amongst the largest enclaves of ethnic Chinese outside of Asia. It's renowned as one of the most popular and famous places in San Francisco and draws more visitors every year than even the Golden Gate Bridge.

Not only will you find unique craft and gift shops and fantastic dining and bars here, but you can also participate in celebrations, festivals, and live entertainment events throughout the year, including one of the largest Chinese New Year festivals in the entire nation. There's plenty to do here that's family-friendly, as well as activities that are geared more towards adults, from area bars and nightlife to souvenir stores.

Chinatown in San Francisco - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in San Francisco and 10 Movie Locations in San Francisco (Read all about San Francisco here)

Highlights of Chinatown

Seeing everything you want to see in Chinatown should start with Dragon's Gate. This world-famous gate is featured on postcards and is amongst the most authentic Chinatown gates in the nation. Then it's time to decide what you want to do next. You can visit hip and airy boutiques offering vivid, handcrafted kimonos, head for family-owned traditional Chinese tea houses, visit historic dive bars, or head for ultra-hip lounges.

One of the more iconic shops in Chinatown is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, which has been here since 1962 and allows you to see the process of making the fortune cookies that are a staple of American Chinese meals. You can even personalise a fortune cookie for a nominal fee. If you're looking for quality Chinese cookware for your home, check out the Wok Shop, which has been here for almost 50 years.

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History of Chinatown

Chinatown's origins go back to the 1850s, when it was the major port of entry for Chinese immigrants to the United States. Its early days were less than auspicious, but by the end of the 19th century it was a tourist destination due to the sense of mystique that accompanied it in the eyes of Americans. In 1912, one of Chinatown's most famous restaurants, Sam Wo, opened, and it's been here ever since.

Chinatown has long been the icon and archetype of similar Chinatown areas across the country. It has weathered gang wars, crime waves, economic decay, and revitalisation. It has, time and again, renewed itself, and today it's more popular than ever and is a staple amongst San Francisco visitor attractions, guided by the Chinatown Community Development Centre. It's the location of the Chinese Culture Centre and the Chinese Historical Society of America.

Good to know before you go to Chinatown

Chinatown is a major attraction for visitors to San Francisco, but it's also a residential area where thousands of Chinese people live and work. The locals don't always appreciate outsiders wandering through their area, so when you visit, it's best to stick to the commercial and retail areas of the area out of respect. Many of the businesses in Chinatown are family-friendly. The food here is in a very real way the original Americanized Chinese cuisine, and it's the birthplace of chop suey.

Trams serve the southern section of the area and are a great way to get here to visit. Ride-shares can also transport you to the area. Once here, Chinatown is very walkable, so be sure to wear your most comfortable walking shoes. The Chinese New Year celebration is the most crowded time of year and can get pretty rowdy, but it's also a great celebration.

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