San Francisco - Chinatown

You may have been to Chinatown in other cities but San Francisco's Chinatown is a whole other realm. It is both the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest of its kind in North America. The people are descendants of Asians, mainly railway workers, who settled here from 1850 onwards, just after the Gold Rush. With ever-increasing immigration from Asia in the last 30 years, Chinatown has experienced its greatest period of population growth.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Palace of the Legion of Honor

Palace of Fine Arts

Almost completely destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, Chinatown was rebuilt entirely in the Chinese style and was soon even more attractive than before the disaster. Now with its temples, theaters, workshops, small businesses, stores, antique and souvenir shops, teahouses and pharmacies with their old nostrums, Chinatown has become one of the major sites of San Francisco.

If you are traveling through San Francisco during an important Chinese holiday or event you can expect an elaborate celebration to be taking place. Chinese New Year celebrations are often considered the best in North America, with an incredible parade that features lavish floats and all kinds of entertainment.

The main street in Chinatown that will be of interest to tourists is Grant Avenue. Stockton is also a prominent street with more of a locals flare. The main gateway is at Grant Avenue and Bush Street.