Chinatown

Why go

Chinatown is defined by Grant Avenue ornament and the working storefronts along Stockton Street. Another layer comes from alleys, produce markets, association buildings, and Portsmouth Square. Plan Chinatown by remembering to walk both the ceremonial and everyday commercial streets. After Chinatown, choose North Beach or the Financial District; this keeps Chinatown geographically coherent and avoids forcing Chinatown into an unrelated crossing.

What to look for

• Look closely at Grant Avenue ornament and the working storefronts along Stockton Street.
• Notice alleys, produce markets, association buildings, and Portsmouth Square.

The full story

Chinatown has been traditionally defined by the neighborhoods of North Beach, and Telegraph Hill areas as bound by Bush Street, Taylor Street, Bay Street, and the water. Officially, Chinatown is located in downtown San Francisco, covers 24 square blocks, and overlaps two postal ZIP codes (94108 and 94133). It is within an area of roughly a half mile long by a quarter mile wide with the current boundaries being Kearney Street in the east, Broadway in the north, Powell Street in the west, and Bush Street in the south. A major focal point in Chinatown is Portsmouth Square. Since it is one of the few open spaces in Chinatown and sits above a large underground parking lot, Portsmouth Square bustles with activity such as T'ai Chi and old men playing Chinese chess. A replica of the Goddess of Democracy used in the Tiananmen Square protest was built in 1999 by Thomas Marsh and stands in the square. It is made of bronze and weighs approximately 600 lb (270 kg).

Useful to know

• For Chinatown, walk both the ceremonial and everyday commercial streets.
• Pair Chinatown with North Beach or the Financial District when the route and opening conditions align.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.