Chinatown

Chinatown, in San Francisco

Chinatown is the Chinese district of San Francisco, the oldest and one of the largest outside Asia. The San Francisco audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this vibrant and colourful district, a true town within the town.

The oldest Chinatown of the United States

Chinatown is the Chinese district of San Francisco, the oldest of the United States and one of the most important outside Asia. Born in the nineteenth century with the arrival of Chinese immigrants, notably during the gold rush, it developed into a true town within the town, rich in a vibrant culture and traditions. In the nineteenth century, the laws forbade the Chinese to settle outside this district, which became their refuge and the cradle of their community. There you wander between red lanterns, stalls, temples, markets, restaurants and traditional pharmacies, in a unique and exotic atmosphere, in the heart of San Francisco.

What to see

Here you wander between red lanterns, stalls, temples, markets, restaurants and traditional pharmacies, in the unique atmosphere of the oldest Chinatown of the United States. Chinatown is a true town within the town. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

Chinatown lies in the heart of San Francisco, near Union Square and the financial district, reachable on foot. It is a freely accessible public district; the shops, restaurants and temples have their own hours. It is particularly lively during the day and during festivities, like Chinese New Year.

Why is San Francisco's Chinatown famous?

It is the oldest Chinatown of the United States and one of the largest outside Asia, born in the nineteenth century; a true town within the town, it keeps a vibrant culture and traditions.

Where is Chinatown in San Francisco?

In the heart of San Francisco, near Union Square and the financial district, in the United States.