When visiting the ethnic neighborhoods of big cities, it can sometimes feel more like Epcot than a real place where real people live. For example, there aren’t many Italians left in New York’s Little Italy, but there are plenty of restaurants claiming authenticity.
I had the same reservations about San Francisco’s Chinatown. But it was here that the oldest Chinese community exists in North America, established in 1848, and the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. The Chinese first settled here during the California Gold Rush.
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I first visited the neighborhood when I was 11 on family vacation. My most vivid memories are of getting my name written in Chinese and playing with a group of Chinese schoolchildren at a playground. This time around, I made a point to walk through Chinatown when I was given an extra day in San Francisco after my original flight got canceled.
One of the most serendipitous aspects of my visit was that it fell in line with Chinese New Year. Red lanterns hung over Union Square and all the way down Grant Avenue. Shop windows at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s set up displays just for the occasion, featuring the waving cats and the Chinese dragon costumes.
Dumpling shops, bakeries and butchers line the street and places like banks and offices have been decorated to fit the theme of the neighborhood. I loved the murals that featured the history of the area.
I didn’t do any of the standard tourist attractions here, like Tin How Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in America, the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum, Ten Ren Tea or the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. If I’d had more time, I certainly would have, as this neighborhood could easily keep you entertained for the day.
If you’re looking for San Francisco souvenirs, this is the best place to shop. And in terms of authentic Chinese cuisine, it’s an obvious choice.
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