| San Francisco promises a memorable visit for those | | | | stunning Chinese clothing, artwork, souvenirs, home |
| planning a vacation or even a few side stops while on | | | | décor items and more that you certainly won't |
| a business trip. And if you're a first-time guest to the | | | | get at home. |
| city, you won't want to miss one of the best-loved | | | | Entering the Chinatown gates on Bush and Grant |
| attractions: Chinatown. | | | | streets transports you into an amazing world. The |
| Finding a central location is one key to a successful | | | | authentic Chinese culture is apparent with indoor |
| personal or business trip to San Francisco. For those | | | | outdoor stores and street vendors on practically every |
| who want to be in the heart of the city, boutique hotel | | | | sidewalk, the prevalence of the Chinese language, |
| accommodations are available in the downtown area | | | | spoken and written everywhere and the stores filled |
| near Moscone Convention Center. Staying downtown | | | | with gorgeous silks and other uniquely Chinese goods. |
| gives you ready access to all that downtown has to | | | | But the smells and tastes of authentic Chinese food |
| offer and is within easy walking distance to Chinatown. | | | | are one of the biggest draws. |
| Because you're also within walking distance of | | | | With practically every variation of Asian cuisine |
| Moscone Convention Center, you'll have added | | | | available, chefs offer fabulous delicacies of fresh fish, |
| convenience for any conference or convention you're | | | | beef, pork, chicken and vegetables. The culture is so |
| attending. | | | | genuine you may believe you're on another continent. |
| Brief History of Chinatown | | | | You'll find makers of fortune cookies, roasted chickens |
| San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest in North | | | | hanging in the windows, bakeries overflowing with |
| America, dating back to the Gold Rush era. In 1848, | | | | Chinese pastries, and fruit and vegetable stands filled |
| Chinese immigrants began arriving to seek their | | | | with exotic produce. |
| fortune, and the two-and-a-half square block area of | | | | If you're visiting San Francisco during January or |
| Chinatown began taking shape. The 1906 earthquake, | | | | February, ask about the dates for the Chinese New |
| though, completely leveled Chinatown. In the aftermath, | | | | Year. Varying each year, this exciting celebration can |
| during the many and heated conversations about | | | | occur as early as January 15 or as late as February |
| where and how Chinatown should be rebuilt (many | | | | 19. The 15th day of the New Year ushers in the |
| wanted the Chinese moved to the outskirts of San | | | | Lantern Festival. Taking place at night, this celebration is |
| Francisco if not banished from the city altogether), the | | | | marked with glorious lantern displays and children |
| decision was finally made to rebuild and expand | | | | carrying lanterns in a parade. Something the entire |
| exactly where Chinatown stood. One of the Chinese | | | | family will enjoy. |
| merchants even came up with the idea to rebuild it as | | | | Other festivals to make note of include the Chinese |
| a kind of theme park with "Oriental" pagodas and | | | | New Year Flower Fair in February, when brilliant |
| facades still present today as a way to draw tourists | | | | blooms take over the heart of Chinatown the |
| and visitors. | | | | weekend before the Lunar New Year, allowing families |
| Despite worldwide events, intervention by the | | | | to buy traditional plants for their celebrations. Streets |
| governments (China and the U.S.), and changes in San | | | | are filled with authentic dancers, musicians, artists and |
| Francisco, Chinatown provided for itself. By the 1930s, | | | | cultural displays for residents and visitors to enjoy. The |
| a parallel and self-sufficient community had grown in | | | | Chinatown Community Street Fair in March is a grand |
| the dozen square blocks that now comprise | | | | celebration complete with streamers, balloons, banners |
| Chinatown, complete with its own schools, hospital, | | | | and lanterns. A delightful display of genuine Chinese |
| nightclubs... there was even a Chinese telephone | | | | culture is evident in the kite and lantern- making exhibits, |
| exchange and a marching band. Today, Chinatown is a | | | | folk dancing, shows and more. The Asian Family |
| surprisingly diverse neighborhood, but the colorful | | | | Heritage Celebration takes place in May and many |
| history and cultural influences remain significant, making | | | | other festivals are conducted throughout the year. |
| it a unique and vibrant place for locals and visitors alike. | | | | Chinatown is a popular attraction that has been loved |
| An Authentic Asian Experience | | | | for centuries, with appeal that's universal and crosses |
| Although its name is Chinatown, this section of San | | | | generational boundaries. The whole family, from |
| Francisco is home to Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian | | | | children to grandparents, will enjoy spending the day |
| and other Asian regions. Today, the largest Chinatown | | | | discovering what so many others have fallen in love |
| in North America is found in San Francisco. Boutique | | | | with. |
| hotels in the nearby area allow immediate access to | | | | |