When gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in 1848, tens of thousands of Chinese emigrants came to California with dreams of sharing in the economic prosperity. Most of them settled in the area of San Francisco that was to become known as Chinatown. Today, San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese community in the U.S.
A visit to Chinatown offers a look at Hong Kong's present
and past. The neighborhood is 18 square blocks, centered along Grant and
Stockton Streets from Bush to Columbus. Stroll along Grant if you're interested
in a more tourist-oriented visit, or shop the authentic markets and shops
on Stockton. Street fairs, parades, and other special events are common.
Location
Enter Chinatown at Bush and Grant Streets through the imposing Dragon Gate, a gift to San Francisco from the Republic of Taiwan. Parking is practically nonexistent in the neighborhood, and although the Portsmouth Square Garage on Kearny offers parking spaces, entering the garage is difficult (you have to drive around the block) and it's considered rather pricey. Your best bet is to catch a cable car.
Points of interest
Chinatown's streets are lined with shops and outdoor markets that offer
authentic merchandise—silk,
jade, artifacts, antiques—as well as "tourist" items, like T-shirts and
Chinese souvenirs. But don't overlook the alleys between Grant and Stockton
if you want to experience the essence of San Francisco's Chinatown.
Tours
City Guides, a non-profit volunteer organization, offers walking tours of Chinatown that focus on exploring the alleys and side streets. Meet at Portsmouth Square (on Kearny and Clay) on Saturdays at 10 a.m. or Mondays at 1:30 p.m. Tours are free of charge. Call (415) 557-4266 for more information.
The Chinese Culture Center offers guided tours of the neighborhood that emphasize Chinatown's cultural achievements, social progress, and history. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children younger than 12. Call the Center at (415) 986-1822 for reservations.
Contact information
Contact the Chinese Chamber of Commerce at (415) 982-3000.
Additional information
You can view a calendar of events at the Chinatown Web site.
