The term Chinatown refers to a Chinese community in the USA that is entirely self-sufficient. It has its own banks, shops, restaurants, and many of its residents might not even speak English. Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest in all of North America and, according to some sources, the largest Chinese community outside of Asia.
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What to See in San Francisco’s Chinatown
The entrance to Chinatown is Dragon’s Gate at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue. Built in 1970 and designed by Chinese-American architect Clayton Lee, it features grey concrete columns, a green shingle pagoda, and three dragon statues.
A visit to the old telephone exchange in the former Bank of Canton building at 743 Washington St. is also worthwhile. Today, a different bank has a branch there; the exchange once served all of Chinatown. While it was in operation, the operators presumably knew the names and phone numbers of every resident in the neighborhood.
Also worth exploring is the kitschy Grant Avenue, where most of the tourist-oriented businesses are located. The street is decorated with red lanterns and Chinese-style lamps.
If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, drop by one of the restaurants. I recommend checking reviews on Google Maps beforehand.
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The History of Chinatown in San Francisco
Chinatown was established in San Francisco in 1848 and has been crucial for newly arrived Asian immigrants since its early days. The city saw its largest influx of newcomers between 1850 and 1900, when City Hall allocated a section of land for them. This allocation particularly attracted immigrants from the areas around Guangzhou, China.
During the same period, prostitution was rampant in the city, with Chinese immigrant Ah Toy reigning as its queen. The first prostitute in San Francisco, Ah Toy opened a network of brothels in Chinatown between 1852 and 1853. Her business was short-lived, however, and she had to close her nightclubs in 1857 due to problems with immigrant gangs. Ah Toy passed away in 1928 at the age of 98.
The greatest tragedy in the community’s history occurred on April 18, 1906, when San Francisco was struck by a massive earthquake measuring up to 7.9 Mw. Almost all of Chinatown was destroyed.
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Chinatown Receives More Tourists per Year Than the Golden Gate Bridge
Today, Chinatown is a fully developed city within a city. It boasts hundreds of restaurants and shops that evoke the atmosphere of China. Contributing to its authenticity is its population density, which is about ten times that of the rest of San Francisco. Interestingly, San Francisco’s Chinatown is even slightly larger than the Chinatown in New York.
The unique atmosphere and environment of Chinatown have been showcased in a number of well-known films, including Big Trouble in Little China, The Pursuit of Happyness, and The Presidio.
Chinatown is so popular with tourists that it surpasses the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in terms of visitors.
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Tips for Visiting Chinatown
🌏 Where is Chinatown in San Francisco?
Chinatown is bounded by Bush Street to the south, Powell Street to the west, Broadway to the north, and Kearny Street to the east. In total, the area spans 24 square blocks, with the nearest BART station being Montgomery St.
⌚ Best Time to Visit Chinatown
The busiest day in Chinatown is Saturday, when San Franciscans head out for their traditional grocery shopping. In the morning, you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of the city, but after dark, the streets are quieter, and you can see the illuminated lanterns. Most shops close around 6pm.
You’ll need only about 30-40 minutes to explore Chinatown, and I recommend combining it with a cable car ride or a visit to Pier 39.
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Photos of Chinatown in San Francisco
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