2 October 2009

A Wander through San Francisco's Chinatown


San Francisco's Chinatown is the largest Chinese community on the West Coast, and the second largest in the United States next to New York City's. "This city within a city is a historic maze of mysterious sights, where an ancient culture from the other side of the world survives and flourishes with remarkable authenticity" It is one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco which I had only a short time to wander through.


The reality of Chinatown is that there are two Chinatowns. One belongs to the locals, the other charms the tourists. They overlap and dance with each other, drawing more visitors annually than the Golden Gate Bridge.


Why the popularity? Because visitors expect something they won't find anywhere else. They expect to be stunned and enchanted and stuffed with great food. And you will. I can't wait to go back and explore on a deeper level and peel off the layers of what Chinatown is all about.

You don't need an itinerary to tackle Chinatown. Wandering aimlessly, weaving between locals and ducking into shops is enough of a plan. Main Street for tourists is Grant Avenue, which is more about cheap and kitschy plastic Buddhas than the long heritage of Chinatown. A word of advise if you are headed up to the North Beach area, Grant Street is a relatively flat route to the top without the use of the cable car system. It should definitely be seen, but moving on to the next block can be more rewarding.


Chinatown Gate is a gloriously decorated gate that marks the entry to Grant Avenue's Chinatown, the tourist's Chinatown. It was unveiled in 1970, and helped secure the street's status as the neighborhood's center. Once you're past the gate, you'll see elaborate 1920s streetlights sculpted to resemble golden dragons lighting the way. The sights and sounds of Chinatown are worth even a quick visit on your way to explore the rest of what San Francisco has to offer.


Best Blogger Tips

10 comments:

  1. Interesting. I always thought the Chinatown in SF was bigger than the one in NY.

    Exploring food in a place like this could be both exciting and scary. I'm so used to Americanized "Chinese" food that I'm always a little afraid of what I might find in a place like this. Will Mrs. Pickypants fall in love - or be disgusted?

    Keep bringing on these great SF posts!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've read conflicting reports so the truth is I don't know for sure. What I do know for sure Chinatown is a sight for the eyes and the tastebuds.

    ReplyDelete
  3. i remember the san francisco chinatown, i really enjoyed it, london's chinatown is quite small comparn to the SF one, very interesting post, thanks,

    cheers from london,

    pity

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the great tour! I really enjoyed it!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    ReplyDelete
  5. SF is one of my favorite cities for just the diversity that you highlighted in your last 2 posts. I'm curious...you're going back in Nov for the FoodBuzz festival, aren't you?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Vall I love your pictures, waht lovely site!! Beauty pics! xgloria
    I enjoyed!

    ReplyDelete
  7. this is exactly the place where i would want to go to eat chinese food (not the touristy corners)

    ReplyDelete
  8. The chinatown in San Francisco is so fun and beautiful! I went there 3 years ago and I enjoyed it :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've never been to China Town. How fun. Thanks so much for taking us along.
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  10. Aaaahhh... lucky, lucky you♥

    ReplyDelete

Welcome to my home. Thank you for choosing to stay a while and for sharing our lives through food. I appreciate all your support, comments, suggestions, and daily encouragement.

Val

This blog uses comment moderation therefore SPAMMERS, SELF-PROMOTERS and ADVERTISERS will be deleted.