San Francisco is known for its delicious food, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and many more famous attractions
San Francisco is known for its delicious food, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and many more famous attractions. If you want to make sure you enjoy your trip to the fullest, be sure to head to San Francisco’s Chinatown. San Francisco’s Chinatown is a unique cultural fair that you’ll never forget. It is the oldest and second largest Chinatown in North America. Enjoy the food, history, shopping and more of San Francisco’s Chinatown on this one-day trip.
Dragon’s Gate
This is a historic gate arch from which one can enter the city’s nearby Chinatown. It was built in 1970 as the southern entrance to the neighborhood. This unique Dragon’s Gate was built entirely in the Chinese style: of stone, not of wood. It and the Golden Dragons Streetlight both lead visitors to the shops of Grant Avenue upstairs.
Great Eastern Restaurant
Here you’ll find sho-mai carts almost everywhere, taking your breath away and the lanes filled with delicious delicacies. But, when you visit this place, be sure to taste Dim Sum, the real Chinese cuisine at the Great Eastern Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its affordable food. They make a variety of dumplings and sweet breads, which will fill your stomach and not put too much burden on the pocket.
Chinese Culture Center The
Chinese Culture Center is a leading community, non-profit organization that was established in 1965 as the operational center of the Chinese Culture Association. It is a matter of wonder how the expatriate population has come to Chinatown in the last 50 years to beautify its life along with its art-wealth. CCC’s exhibitions on the third floor of the Hilton range from street art to pioneering and advanced photography, and admission is free.
America’s Chinese Historical Institution
This museum depicts the experiences of Chinese immigrants in America through photographs and artifacts. Established in this historic building designed by Julia Morgan, the Chinese Historical Society of America provides invaluable information on Chinese-American contributions to the culture and history outside of San Francisco for a fee of only $5, and if you stay there during a weekend. You will also get to witness a matrimonial tea festival. Pre-advice: The Chinese Historical Society of America offers not only museum visits but also neighborhood tours.
Chinatown’s Kite-shop
Grant Avenue is lined with shops selling all kinds of herbs and inexpensive jewelry, but Chinatown’s Kite-shop is a bit out of place. A variety of kites, feng shui items and decorative items with a festive hue are found in this colorful historic shop. Sure, it’s the best shop for dragons, kites and handmade precious items, but you’ll also find iPad covers and unique items here. And they are open till 8:30 at night, so you can be there late too.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
The hand-crafted star cookies at this historic bakery are made in a small open kitchen and can be viewed free of charge. This cookie factory is located in a small and narrow street in Chinatown with no parking nearby. When they are cooked, there is a very sweet smell inside. It is such a small space that more than 10 people get trapped inside. The local people involved in tourism activities also do not tire of praising the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, which has been producing cookies since 1962. Be sure to visit once and satisfy your curiosity by seeing how they prepare star cookies before the dough hardens.
R&G Lounge
This famous Cantonese restaurant is built in a basic basement and the upstairs rooms are more modest. As some of Chinatown’s huge banquet halls closed, so did this 225-seat three-story lounge that serves litchi martinis and salt-and-pepper crabs to the hungry and thirsty. The R&G Lounge is small, but well organized, serving up spacious, traditional dishes, balancing the most American hues with colorful choices.
Li Po Cocktail Lounge
Named after an ancient poet, this 77-year-old pool is famous for its Chinese cocktail Mai Tai and the golden Buddha behind the circular bar. Yes, it’s bustling with the East, but an institution that ranks among the top wealthiest in San Francisco.
Yuet Li
This late-night Cantonese seafood restaurant (open five nights a week until 3 a.m.) is considered the night capital of Chinatown. After a whole day’s gathering of middle-aged people, the club kids come here and then the lovers of waking up in the night enjoy the delicacies here. The green decorations on the dishes make them even more nutritious. So, make sure to stop by in San Francisco’s world famous Chinatown and fulfill your inquisitive desires while savoring the delicious cuisine and enjoying the wonderful views.
