Chinatown

Recognized as the oldest Chinatown in North America, San Francisco’s Chinatown has a deep rooted history in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is also one of the largest communities of its kind, covering around 25 blocks in the Eastern part of the city. It is located near the North Beach, FiDi and Nob Hill neighborhoods in San Francisco. 

The history of Chinatown in San Francisco dates back to the 1850s. In conjunction with the Gold Rush (which technically started in 1848, but didn’t really take off until 1849), an estimated 25,000 Chinese came to the United States and settled in the San Francisco Bay Area in hopes of finding gold and striking it rich. Early immigrants settled close to Portsmouth Square, which is a centrally-located park in Chinatown that is still used today. As more Chinese arrived in San Francisco, the Chinatown neighborhood grew rapidly, eventually becoming “the most densely populated urban area west of Manhattan”

Today, Chinatown is an integral part of the city’s culture and a popular tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors every year. It is one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city, filled with locals and tourists walking the streets, trying delicious food and shopping at unique stores in the area. 

There are lots of great attractions in the area, so make sure you plan to spend a good amount of the day if you visit. One of the more memorable landmarks is the Chinatown Gate, which acts as the official entrance to the Chinatown neighborhood. A gift from Taiwan in 1969, it is an authentic Chinese entry gate with a quote that says”All under heaven is for the good of the People”. It is located at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue and leads you right into the hustle and bustle of the area. As you cruise down Grant Ave, you will immediately feel immersed in the culture of Chinatown. The colorful facades, hanging lanterns and beautiful fixtures are unique to this area of the city. 

The shops along Grant Ave and Stockton Street are constantly busy, selling everything from fresh meats to tempting produce and a host of unique foods and spices that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. There are also a number of tea tasting rooms where you can try a variety of teas like Oolong, White Tea and Green Tea, while you learn about how the plants are grown and harvested. Other great attractions include Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, The Old Telephone Exchange, The Chinese Historical Society, The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and Portsmouth Square. 

Chinatown is a great place to visit any time of the year, but if you want a real treat, then Chinese New Year is the best time to go. Taking place in January or February every year (depending on the Lunar Calendar), it is a huge celebration throughout the area. Make sure to plan on attending the Chinese New Year Parade, which is the best part of the event. 

Chinatown Events

Chinatown knows how to throw a party, and there’s always something fun happening throughout the year. The star of the show? Hands down, the Chinese New Year Festival and Parade. It’s the biggest event in Chinatown and one of the most epic celebrations you’ll find anywhere outside Asia. It’s been going strong since the 1860s, making it the oldest of its kind in the U.S. Every February (the exact date shifts with the lunar calendar. It was on February 15 in 2025 for the Year of the Snake) thousands of people head to Chinatown for a huge selection of events. The parade kicks off at 5:15 p.m. at 2nd and Market Streets, winding through downtown and Union Square before finishing up near Chinatown at Kearny and Columbus. It’s a 1.3-mile spectacle that lasts about two and a half hours, and trust me, it’s worth every second. You’ll see over 100 groups like lion dancers, floats decked out in red and gold, school kids in adorable costumes, and marching bands pumping up the crowd. The grand finale is the 288-foot Golden Dragon, carried by a team of 100 people from Leung’s White Crane martial arts crew. Expect at least 600,000 firecrackers popping off (bring earplugs if you’re sensitive), and in 2025 they added a drone light show and fireworks over the Embarcadero after the parade wraps. It’s free to watch from the sidewalks, but bleacher seats start at $45 if you want a guaranteed spot.

While the Chinese New Year is the biggest event of the year, there are also lots of other events that take place annually. The Autumn Moon Festival happens every September, usually around Grant Avenue between California and Broadway. Hosted by the Chinatown Merchants Association since 1991, it’s a laid-back celebration of the Mid-Autumn harvest with a smaller parade, food stalls, and family activities like lantern-making. Enjoy mooncakes, music & a chill vibe. Then there’s the Chinatown Cultural Festival, put on by the Chinese Historical Society of America in late May (May 25 in 2024, so likely around then in 2025). It’s a free event on Grant Avenue with lion dances, martial arts demos, calligraphy & tasty eats. It’s a great for getting a taste of Chinatown’s heritage during AAPI Heritage Month. Smaller events pop up too, like lion dances for new business openings or the Ching Ming Festival in late March or early April, where families honor the departed with flowers and tomb-sweeping. It’s quieter but super meaningful if you catch it.

For more things to do in Chinatown, check out the Things to do in Chinatown Guide

Chinatown Restaurants

Chinatown is packed with spots to eat, from tiny hole-in-the-wall cafes to upscale restaurants. You’ll find all kinds of Chinese cuisine here—Cantonese dim sum, spicy Sichuan, Shanghainese comfort food & more. You can experience flavors you won’t get anywhere else in SF.

Start with House of Nanking (919 Kearny St.), a family-run legend that’s been dishing out Shanghainese classics for over 40 years. Their fried pork potstickers and sesame chicken are to die for, but the staff can help out if you aren’t sure what to choose. No reservations, so expect a wait (but it’s worth it). Then there’s Mister Jiu’s (28 Waverly Pl.), a sleek spot with a Michelin star where Chef Brandon Jew remixes Cantonese dishes like roast duck and black sesame mochi. It’s fancy and celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow have popped in for a meal. For dim sum, hit City View Restaurant (33 Walter U. Lum Pl.), a local favorite with steaming carts of shrimp dumplings and BBQ pork buns. It’s casual and perfect for a group. If you’re craving something spicy, Chong Qing Xiao Mian (915 Kearny St.) does killer Sichuan noodles that’ll make your taste buds dance. And don’t sleep on Sam Wo (713 Clay St.), a no-frills joint famous for late-night eats like jook (rice porridge) and BBQ pork rice rolls. It’s been around forever and has that old school charm.

What’s cool is how these places mix history with flavor. Sam Wo’s been a hangout for beatniks like Jack Kerouac, and House of Nanking’s owner is a Chinatown icon. Bring cash for some spots and don’t be shy about asking for recommendations.

Here are some good options if you are looking for restaurants in Chinatown

House of Nanking
919 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94133

A family-run spot serving Shanghainese comfort food since the ‘80s. It also had a cameo in The Matrix Resurrections (2021).

Mister Jiu’s
28 Waverly Pl
San Francisco, CA 94108

A Michelin-starred gem where Chef Brandon Jew puts a modern twist on Cantonese classics. It’s upscale but welcoming, with killer views from the second floor.

City View Restaurant
33 Walter U. Lum Pl
San Francisco, CA 94108

A go-to for Cantonese dim sum, rolling out carts loaded with shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and chicken feet.

Chong Qing Xiao Mian
915 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94133

A Sichuan spot on the edge of Chinatown, dishing out spicy noodle soups that’ll tingle your tongue. Try the dan dan noodles or spicy beef soup.

Sam Wo
713 Clay St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A late-night legend serving Cantonese classics like BBQ pork rice rolls and jook.

R&G Lounge
631 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A Cantonese seafood spot that’s been a hit since 1985. Salt and pepper crab and shrimp with scrambled eggs are popular dishes.

Good Mong Kok Bakery
1039 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A takeout-only dim sum spot with a line out the door for steamed char siu bao and har gow. It’s the best bang for your buck dim sum in town.

Four Kings
710 Commercial St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A newer spot from Mister Jiu’s alums, serving modern Cantonese like crispy dry-aged squab and XO escargot with milk bread. It Started as a pop-up—now it’s a permanent Chinatown restaurant with a cool Hong Kong vibe.

Empress by Boon
838 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108

A fancy Cantonese spot from Michelin starred Chef Ho Chee Boon, offering a prix-fixe menu with dishes like crispy pumpkin puffs.

Z & Y Restaurant
655 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133

A Sichuan favorite known for spicy dishes like Peking duck and explosive chili chicken. Chef Lijun Han’s cooked for Chinese presidents, Barack Obama and others.

China Live
644 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133

A massive food hall with a restaurant, bar, and market. Dig into Peking duck sesame pockets or Sheng Jian Bao dumplings while you are there. It’s also has a speakeasy-style bar (Cold Drinks) upstairs and cooking demos you can watch while you eat.

Yuet Lee
1300 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94133

A Hong Kong-style dive serving crunchy prawns and salt-and-pepper calamari. It’s a late-night spot with a loyal following. Jackie Chan and Emeril Lagasse have stopped by for a meal and it’s an official SF legacy business.

Find out more on the Chinatown Restaurants Guide

Chinatown Nightlife

Chinatown’s nightlife isn’t really about nightclubs or live music venues It’s more about chill spots where you can kick back with a drink and soak in the vibe. The bars here are unique, with personality dripping from every corner.

Check out Buddha Lounge (901 Grant Ave.), a dive bar with red lanterns, a killer jukebox & a giant mural that screams Chinatown cool. It’s cash only, but the bartenders pour strong drinks. If you visit, make sure to try the Buddha Beer in its funky green bottle or their twist on a Chinese Mai Tai. Then there’s Li Po Cocktail Lounge (916 Grant Ave.), a dimly lit spot with a mysterious vibe. It has red lighting, a golden Buddha & cocktails spiked with Chinese herbs. It’s been around since the ‘30s, and rumor has it Anthony Bourdain loved it. For something fancier, head to Mister Jiu’s Chinatown Lounge (28 Waverly Pl.), an upstairs hideaway with velvet booths and drinks inspired by the lunar calendar. It’s swanky but not stuffy. And if you’re into a classic dive, Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge (1155 Grant Ave.) has karaoke and cheap drinks

Here are some great bars to check out in Chinatown

Buddha Lounge
901 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108

A dive bar with red lanterns and a chill vibe. It’s a local hangout where you can grab cheap drinks like Tsingtao beer or their quirky Buddha Beer in a green bottle.

Li Po Cocktail Lounge
916 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108

A divey spot with a golden Buddha and red lighting, serving cocktails since 1937. Their Chinese Mai Tai (made with a secret house liqueur) is a must-try and the vibe feels like a step back in time. Anthony Bourdain raved about it and it’s (most likely) the oldest bar in Chinatown.

Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge
1155 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133

A tiny place famous for karaoke nights. It’s got a blue neon sign pulling in a mix of locals and tourists, and the drinks are cheap and strong.

Cold Drinks Bar
644 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133
(inside China Live, 2nd floor)

A swanky, “hidden” bar above China Live with a modern Shanghai vibe. Bartenders in tuxes whip up Scotch-heavy cocktails like the “Silk Degrees” (coconut-washed Johnnie Walker with pineapple). You enter through a secret stairwell.

Red’s Place
672 Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133

A classic dive decked out with lights and Tsingtao lanterns calls itself Chinatown’s oldest bar (though Li Po might argue that).

Lion’s Den Bar and Lounge
57 Walter U. Lum Pl
San Francisco, CA 94108

A newer spot with a modern feel, offering craft cocktails and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a bit off the main drag, making it a quieter escape from Grant Avenue’s bustle. It is Co-owned by Steven Lee, a big Chinatown booster who’s all about reviving the neighborhood’s nightlife scene.

Moongate Lounge
Address: 28 Waverly Pl
San Francisco, CA 94108
(above Mister Jiu’s)

A cool place above Mister Jiu’s. It has a celestial theme with creative drinks and great views of Chinatown. The zodiac-inspired menu ties into Chinese astrology.

Chinatown Attractions & Tours

Chinatown’s got some attractions that may be overshadowed by the bigger SF attractions, but we highly recommend checking them out if you have time. It’s loaded with history and cool things to check out. Plus, there are tours that’ll give you the inside scoop if you want to dig deeper.

First up, the Dragon Gate (Grant Ave. at Bush St.) is the entry to Chinatown. Built in 1970 by architect Clayton Lee, it’s the only authentic Chinatown gate in the U.S. It has ornate pagodas and dragon statues along with signs above say stuff like “All under heaven is for the good of the people” This is a great spot to get a picture for Instagram or a video for Tiktok. Then there’s the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum (965 Clay St.), a small spot that dives into the Chinese-American story with photos, artifacts, and exhibits. It’s in a gorgeous 1932 building originally designed by Julia Morgan. Nearby, the Chinese Culture Center (750 Kearny St., 3rd floor of the Hilton) mixes art & history with free galleries showing off contemporary Chinese artists plus cool street installations.

Pop into Tin How Temple (125 Waverly Pl.), one of the oldest Chinese temples in the U.S., founded in 1852. It’s up a narrow staircase, filled with incense and red lanterns. And don’t miss Portsmouth Square, the “Heart of Chinatown,” where locals play cards and kids run around. It’s where SF’s first public school opened in 1848, and today it’s a great people watching spot.

If you want a more in depth experience in Chinatown, consider booking a tour. Tours mix food and history, hitting dim sum spots and places like the fortune cookie factory as well as some other popular San Francisco attractions outside of the neighborhod.

Below are some of the top attractions to see in Chinatown

Dragon Gate
Grant Ave at Bush St
San Francisco, CA 94108

The iconic southern entrance to Chinatown, built in 1970 and decorated with green pagodas and dragon statues.

Chinese Historical Society of America Museum (CHSA)
965 Clay St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A small museum in a 1932 Julia Morgan-designed building, packed with photos, artifacts, and stories of Chinese-American history—like Gold Rush tales and WWII soldier exhibits. It’s got the first Chinese-American voter registration from 1878, which is pretty cool.

Tin How Temple
125 Waverly Pl
San Francisco, CA 94108

One of the oldest Chinese temples in the United States, founded in 1852.

Portsmouth Square
733 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108

Known as the “Heart of Chinatown,” this plaza’s where locals play cards and practice tai chi. It’s got a playground, statues & a chill community feel.

Chinese Culture Center
750 Kearny St
3rd Floor (inside the Hilton)
San Francisco, CA 94108

A cultural center with free art galleries showing modern Chinese works, plus workshops and street installations.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
56 Ross Alley
San Francisco, CA 94108

A fun place where you can watch fortune cookies being made by hand on a vintage machine. Fortune cookies were actually invented in SF and this place has been cranking them out since 1962.

Waverly Place
Between Washington St and Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A colorful alley nicknamed the “Street of Painted Balconies” for its colorful buildings and temples. It’s been in movies like The Dead Pool (1988) and was once known for for 19th-century gambling dens and brothels.

Old St. Mary’s Cathedral
660 California St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A brick Gothic church built in 1854 by Chinese laborers.

See more attractions on the Chinatown Visitors Guide

Shopping

Shopping in Chinatown is a lot of fun. It’s filled with quirky little shops packed with treasures. Wander down Grant Avenue or Stockton Street, and you’ll find everything from souvenirs to stuff you didn’t know you needed.

The Wok Shop (718 Grant Ave.) is a must for kitchen lovers. They have a huge selection of woks, cleavers, bamboo steamers and more. Ithas been run by the legendary Tane Chan since 1970. For herbs and teas, hit Vital Tea Leaf (1044 Grant Ave.), a family-run place with ginseng, oolong, and cool teapots. And if you want something artsy, Canton Bazaar (616 Grant Ave.) has jade, porcelain, and funky trinkets.

Here are some shops to visit when you are in Chinatown

The Wok Shop
718 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108

Description: A cooking lover’s paradise since 1972, this place is stacked with all kinds of cooking stuff. It’s been a Chinatown staple for over 50 years. Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook fame is a fan of the spot.

Canton Bazaar
616 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108

A shop packed with everything from silk robes to porcelain sake sets, Buddhas, and even furniture.

Vital Tea Leaf
1044 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133

A tea lover’s haven with shelves of green, black, oolong, and rare blends from China and Taiwan. Ask about their aged orchid tea from Guangdong.

Old Shanghai
645 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108

A mix of antiques and home decor, like hand-painted lacquer cabinets and bronze incense burners as well as silk clothes.

Peking Bazaar
826 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108

A larger store with discounted jewelry, silk kimonos, lanterns, and souvenirs. It’s got a little bit of everything at budget-friendly prices.

Bargains of Chinatown
512 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108

A smaller spot crammed with deals on traditional Chinese clothes, shoes, fans, and trinkets. Great for quick, affordable grabs.

Kim + Ono
729 Grant Ave
San Francisco, CA 94108

A modern boutique run by sisters Renee and Tiffany Tam, selling hand-painted silk kimonos with floral and bird designs.

On Waverly
28 Waverly Pl
San Francisco, CA 94108

A newer shop (opened 2023) by sisters Cynthia and Jennifer Huie, offering things like stationery, jewelry, and home items.

Arts & Culture

Chinatown’s arts and culture scene is impressive, with spots that show off its history & creativity.
The Chinese Culture Center (750 Kearny St.) is a hub for art, with rotating exhibits of modern Chinese works. Their street art is free to check out and worth a look. The Chinese Historical Society of America Museum (965 Clay St.) doubles as a cultural spot, with exhibits that tell stories through art and objects. For architecture, just walk around the area. Grant Avenue’s pagoda-style buildings and ornate lamp posts feel like a trip abroad. Peek into alleys like Waverly Place, where colorful balconies and temples pop against the city skyline.

If you’re lucky, catch a lion dance outside a shop (it’s a tradition for new businesses) It’s all part of Chinatown’s living, breathing culture.

Here are a few Art & Culture highlights for Chinatown in San Francisco

Tin How Temple

125 Waverly Pl
San Francisco, CA 94108

A historic temple from 1852, up a narrow staircase, filled with red lanterns, incense, and altars to Mazu. It’s a living piece of cultural heritage.

Waverly Place (Street of Painted Balconies)
Between Washington St and Sacramento St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A narrow alley with colorful balconies on old buildings. The architecture’s a mix of Cantonese flair and SF grit. Its rainbow facades starred in films like Pursuit of Happyness (2006).

Grant Avenue Architecture
Stretches from Bush St to Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94108

Chinatown’s main street, lined with pagoda-style rooftops & ornate lamp posts. Rebuilt post-1906 quake to look “exotic” for tourists.

Ross Alley Murals
Between Jackson St and Washington St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A gritty alley with murals on the walls, often tied to the Chinese Culture Center’s projects.

Old St. Mary’s Cathedral
660 California St
San Francisco, CA 94108

A Gothic brick church from 1854, built by Chinese workers, with stained glass and a peaceful courtyard. It’s a cultural crossover on Chinatown’s edge.

Portsmouth Square Statues
733 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108

This plaza, dubbed Chinatown’s “living room,” has statues like the Goddess of Democracy (a Tiananmen Square tribute) and a Robert Louis Stevenson marker.