San Francisco Chinatown has a history almost as old as the city itself. This thriving city within the city has been home to Chinese immigrants from as far back as the gold rush, where Chinese labored in the mines, as well as toiled to help build the trans-continental railroad. Few cities in the United States have Chinatowns quite as vibrant as San Francisco, and none as old.

"Longmen" - The Dragon Gate

Decorative and symbolic, these gates mark the southern edge of Chinatown. A gift from the PRC in the late 1960's, this gate at the junction of Bush and Grant streets marks a transition from Union Square into the heart of Chinatown.

Just as two lions guard the southern gates of the Forbidden City in Beijing, so too do lions guard the southern entrance of San Francisco's Chinatown.

Guarding the Gates

Vibrant and Bustling

The main streets, Grant and Stockton, are filled with touristy shops and restaurants – and consequently filled with tourists – but Chinatown is also home to many; the side streets and alleys are more likely to be the sanctuary of locals. Yeah, there goes one of those "immitation cable car" tour busses...

Much of what we see nowadays was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, so while some "traditional" buildings were rebuilt (such as the little bank near the left,) many conform to Edwardian lines – with Chinese accents incorporated into the design.

Mix of Architecture

Keeping the Culture ALive

Festivals are a regular event in Chinatown, and the residents – in addition to assimilating into San Francisco's everyday fabric – also keep some of the old traditions alive. Portsmouth park is the scene of many festivals and celebrations in the community.

The Dragon of Chinese culture has a more pleasant reputation than the fire-breathing lizards of western literature, and is associated with the emperors of the "Middle Kingdom." This dragon was displayed in the Chinese Culture Center after a recent new-year's celebration.

Imperial Symbol