Like a trip to 中国 without the 12-hour flight, 旧金山’s 唐人街 makes you feel like a time traveler: in a blink you go from the suit-and-tie orderliness of the city’s financial district to the largest 唐人街 outside of Asia (and the oldest in the U.S.), with crowded sidewalks filled with Cantonese and Mandarin chatter, overflowing food stalls, dim sum restaurants, and mysterious-looking shops. It’s a trip in every sense of the word, and probably as close as you can get to Asia without a passport.
While it’s fine to stick to 唐人街’s main artery of Grant Street, a shopping thoroughfare lined with markets and trinket and jade shops (the latter especially clustered around the 唐人街 Gateway at the neighborhood’s southern end), strike out onto quieter streets to find even more surprising discoveries. Here are eight worthwhile destinations and activities; for an even more in-depth experience, consider joining a guided walking tour, 如 All 关于 唐人街 walking tours or food-centric 锅奇才.
中国人 New Year Festival & 游行
Time your trip to coincide with Lunar New Year (typically in late January or February, to match the lunar calendar) for a real treat: the 中国人 New Year Festival & 游行. First started in 1860 to commemorate the homeland of the city’s booming population of 中国人 immigrants (drawn to 旧金山 during the Gold Rush), the event—now the largest 中国人 New Year celebration outside Asia—includes fireworks, 浮点数, 狮子的舞者, 鼓手, and the crowning of Miss 唐人街.
中国人 Historical Society of America
Inside the landmark 唐人街 YWCA building, designed by architect Julia Morgan in 1932, the museum does a knockout job with exhibits and programs related to 中国人 文化 and 唐人街 history. You can find out about various 唐人街 events here as well. Admission is free.
Edge on the Square
A 2023 addition to 唐人街, this cultural hub and collaborative space hosts art events that seek to bring people together in the shared pursuit of creativity, 表达式, and the promotion of civic engagement. Drop by to see the latest exhibitions or events. Open Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. 到下午4点.m.
天公庙
Go back in time in the century-old Buddhist temple, housed in a four-level apartment building, where locals pray, 烧香, and get their fortunes read. A donation is requested.
Hop Hing Ginseng Company
Feeling lethargic? Let the helpful proprietors of this long-respected 中国人 apothecary recommend revitalizing teas and tonics prepared with dry herbs, or buy their famous ginseng and other herbs by the pound.
R & G休息室
唐人街’s restaurants are one of the district’s main attractions; this one is a long-time favorite beloved for its high-quality signature Cantonese dishes. Notable favorites include tender glazed spare ribs, and delicate salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab.
活茶叶
Sample the many brews served at this tea bar and shop, which has three locations. It’s filled with an extraordinary variety of teas, with intriguing blends 如 baby chrysanthemum and ginger pine, as well as more traditional green, 白色, 乌龙茶.
Ming Lee Trading
This old-timey grocery and de facto candy and snack emporium seems to carry everything from litchi gummies and green-tea Kit Kats to dried and salted fruits, 面条, 和香料.
Golden Gate Bakery
If you’re in the market for fresh 丹•答 the traditional 中国人 egg-custard tart with a flaky, 黄油地壳, then make a beeline to this amazing bakery. Don’t be daunted by lines; the treats are worth the wait.
炒锅店
The best thing about a visit here is witnessing owner Tane Chan in action as she whirls from one customer to the next, 聊天, 笑, and helping to select the best wok for each shopper.
Insider tips: Most of 唐人街’s shops open around 10 or 11 a.m. and close around sundown. 访问 sfparkingguide.com for information about where to park in 唐人街.