Visitors Guide

Overview & History

Where is Chinatown?

Chinatown has a central location in San Francisco, bordered by Union Square to the south, North Beach to the north, the Financial District to the east, and Nob Hill to the west. It is 24 square blocks. It’s easy to access and packed with things to see and do.

San Francisco has the oldest Chinatown in the United States. It was first settled in the 1850’s during the California Gold Rush. This San Francisco neighborhood is the most densely populated area in the United States outside of Manhattan. It was the original port of entry for Chinese immigrants in the 1850’s. Most of the immigrants came from Southern China, predominantly from the Guangdong province. They came in search of gold initially and, after the gold rush waned, for employment opportunities.

Chinatown’s history and San Francisco’s history, roughly begin around the same time. When word got to China, about the discovery of Gold in California, the Chinese, like the Irish and many others across the globe headed to the Wild West in search of great riches. Portsmouth Square is where the port was located that received boats from Southern China. This was where the first American Flag was planted, on soil that would eventually make up the city of San Francisco. In the mid-1800’s it was the Wild West indeed. It was a lawless time in all of early San Francisco. Chinatown was settled right along the coast at the time. Montgomery Street was the water’s edge back then. The entire Barberry Coast was lawless, crime ridden, and filled with saloons, gambling halls, prostitutes, brothels and other unsavory and unsanitary places and things. Chinatown gained a reputation for brothels, opium dens, street gangs and the slave trade. While these things were happening, debauchery of this kind was by no means exclusive to Chinatown.

The people who settled in San Francisco brought many Cantonese influences to the city. This unique cultural enclave has remained a popular destination for locals and tourists from the mid-19th Century to present day because of it has retained its authentic customs and traditions.You will hear Chinese languages spoken, including Cantonese, Toishanese and a little Mandarin. The neighborhood offers a wide array of dim sum destinations, tea tasting rooms and Cantonese restaurants.As a matter of fact, Chinese Food and Dim Sum were first introduced to America in San Francisco’s Chinatown.There are a wide array of places to enjoy Chinese styles of massage, to shop for imported goods from China, to buy Chinese Herbs and to sample authentic Chinese Sweets. Many who live in the neighborhood or work there are Chinese immigrants.

The neighborhood was initially a refuge for Chinese workers who faced discrimination and exclusionary laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which halted Chinese immigration for decades. In spite of discriminatory attitudes and laws, the Chinese community thrived, building businesses, temples, and social organizations that still stand today.

The catastrophic 1906 earthquake and fire razed much of the neighborhood, but it was rebuilt with a very unique architectural make-up. As most of the area was completely devastated by the earthquake and fires, the look of Chinatown today is very different than in the wild days of the Barbary Coast.

Due to discrimination and stereotyping of Chinese immigrants in San Francisco, the city considered moving the Chinese people and Chinatown to where Bayview is situated today. They were a little torn as the early tourism in the neighborhood did generate money for the city. While governmental officials were mulling this over, two buildings were quickly built. A Chinese man by the name of Tin Eli, came up with a plan to save Chinatown. He hired American Architects, T. Paterson Ross and A. W. Burgren, to quickly design buildings that had oriental charm. Two buildings,”Sing Chong” and “Sing Fat”, were quickly designed and built, with distinctively Chinese style architecture. They saved Chinatown, ensuing it would remain in its central location. They also inspired the architectural design of all the buildings that would eventually be built in the area. Sing Chong and Sing Fat still can be seen on the corner of Grant and California Streets.

Today the neighborhood’s unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, creates the picturesque streetscapes of modern Chinatown

Chinatown has always been a beacon of Chinese culture in America, serving as a community hub for immigrants, with its own newspapers, temples & associations. It’s a living museum where you can witness the resilience and cultural richness of the Chinese diaspora.

Key moments in Chinatown’s history:

1850s: Chinese immigrants arrive in large numbers, forming a tight-knit community.
1882: The Chinese Exclusion Act is passed, severely limiting Chinese immigration.
1906: The San Francisco earthquake and fire destroy much of Chinatown
Present Day: Chinatown is a major cultural and tourism hub, attracting visitors from around the world.

Getting Around Chinatown

Rideshare or Taxi

Chinatown’s narrow streets and limited parking make driving difficult, so taking a rideshare (Uber, Lyft, or a taxi) is the easiest way to get there.

Try a Waymo

If you want a futuristic ride, try Waymo, the driverless taxi service available in San Francisco.

Walk

If you are staying in Union Square, or shopping there, you may simply want to walk to Chinatown.

Stockton Street, which boarders Union Square Park, runs right into Chinatown two blocks to the north. Simply walk north on Stockton until you get to Bush Street and turn right. This will take you directly to the Famous Dragon’s Gate Entrance to Chinatown.

Public Transit (Muni & BART)

Muni Buses: Take the 1, 8, 30, or 45 bus lines to get to Chinatown. The 30 Stockton bus runs frequently through the area.

BART: Get off at the Montgomery Street Station, then walk about 10 minutes to Chinatown.

Cable Cars: Riding the Cable Cars is a popular thing for visitor’s to do while visiting the city. The Cable Car Lines are located in areas that have a heavy concentration of hotels. If staying in Soma, Union Square, Nob Hill, North Beach or Fisherman’s Wharf, the Cable Cars are a fun way to get around.

The California Street line stops at Grant Avenue, the main street of Chinatown.

On the two Powell Street lines, get off on Powell Street anywhere between Bush and Jackson, walk downhill one block and you will be on Stockton Street in Chinatown.

All three cable car lines go through (or near) Chinatown.

Driving & Parking

If you opt to drive, parking can be a little challenging in the area. I highly recommend using the Parking Garage located underneath Portsmouth Square Park. The entrance is at 733 Kearney Street. It is not too expensive and some restaurants may validate parking there. There are several garages to choose from in the area. Here are some of the best parking options:

Portsmouth Square Garage (733 Kearny St.) is right in the middle of Chinatown.
Sutter-Stockton Garage (444 Stockton St.) is a short walk from Chinatown.
North Beach Garage (735 Vallejo St.) is a good option near the northern end of Chinatown.

Chinatown with Kids

Is Chinatown good for kids?

Yes! Chinatown is a safe and family-friendly neighborhood with fun sights, interesting shops & lots of places to explore.

Best Things to Do with Kids

Visit Portsmouth Square: A great place for kids to run around, with playgrounds and community activities. Kids can watch locals play chess and tai chi.
Explore the Fortune Cookie Factory: Watch cookies being made and enjoy fresh samples.
Eat at a Dim Sum Restaurant: Kids love dumplings and buns
Shop for Toys & Souvenirs: Many Chinatown shops sell cute plush pandas, dragons, and lucky cats.
Chinese Culture Center: Occasionally hosts kid-friendly workshops on Chinese arts and crafts.

Tips for Visiting with Kids

Bring snacks & water: Chinatown is busy, and kids might get hungry between stops. You can also find kid-friendly treats like bao or sweet dumplings.
Hold hands in crowds: The sidewalks can be packed, especially on weekends.
Travel lightly: Keep strollers light or consider carriers for smaller children due to crowded sidewalks.