Chinatown
Briefly:
Walking into San Francisco’s Chinatown is really like stepping into another city, yet it’s most definitely part of what makes S.F. what it is. Here you’ll find a lot of the expected, like Chinese bakeries, noodle shops, and gift shops selling kitschy items made just for tourists. And for the newbie, you can certainly visit as a tourist, or you can take one of the cool walking tours that will highlight the history, heritage, and food of this unique neighborhood.
San Francisco is the second largest Chinatown in the United States (New York City). On Saturday, the neighborhood is at its busiest, as locals do their shopping for the coming week (holiday). Then, markets are a whirr of activity and the thoroughfares of Grant Ave. and Stockton Street offer a different look and feel to Chinatown, both of which should be experienced. While Grant features the very recognizable Dragon Gate (at Bush Street), along with a number of restaurants and stores (for tourists), Stockton Street offers a more authentic vibe, with various side streets and alleyways that open up to more markets, stores, and dining options.
Note: For tourists and new visitors in general, be aware that the markets, especially on busy Saturday, may have some items that will be uncommon and upsetting, such as live turtles for sale. If you go early in the mornings however, some of this can be avoided, while still seeing all the neighborhood’s sights.What’s New:
Yearly, Chinatown welcomes more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s definitely a major destination, as seemingly everyone who visits S.F. wants to discover Chinatown themselves. With North Beach adjacent, it’s a great way to spend the day.
Also, the annual fests: Chinese New Year (February/March) and the Autumn Moon Festival (September). Both are celebrations for the entire city and if you happen to be visiting at either time, they’re not to be missed.
New shops are beginning to spring up throughout the neighborhood and overall, it’s getting a bit of an update. Par example, in spring 2007, the alleyway between City Lights Bookstore and Vesuvio, which provides a channel between North Beach and Chinatown, got a major makeover with stone pavers, ornamental lampposts, poetry plaques, the works, turning this previously orginary alleyway into a lovely route for pedestrians. Such projects continue to be in progress, planned, and happening.
When to Go:
As said, early morning provides a nice walk. You can take in the daily routine of shops opening and the neighborhood coming to life. For a major crowded, immersion experience? Then Saturday is the day. The evening is also a whole new experience. Basically, whenever you go, you should find Chinatown memorable. If you wish to take photos, like of the Dragon Gate or Waverly Place, then I suggest the morning.
Transportation:
Muni buses 1, 15, 30 and 41 will take you to Chinatown, while the Powell-Masion and Powell-Hyde cable cars will also get you there. As for parking, street parking is nearly impossible unless you get there very early in the morning. There are nearby garages: various. But as with most of S.F., public transportation is a best bet.
