Before heading down Columbus Avenue, take a look at the building on the corner. This mini pedestrian plaza links Chinatown to North Beach. The painted wall is a tribute to jazz, and the open books hanging from cables is a permanent work of art called the “language of birds”. Each suspended book represents a bird in motion. Don't hesitate to walk up the street to get a better view, from top to bottom. You'll get a striking impression of a flock of birds in full flight, it's a wonderful sight! Upon closer inspection, you'll notice that words are inscribed on the ground, as if they've spilled out from the open books. They're in English, Chinese or Italian, and come from the rich literary history of the neighborhood. In the evening, the sculpture lights up thanks to LEDs installed in the books, creating an even more enchanting experience.