MARCHING ON

Visit One of San Francisco’s Most Popular Attractions – Chinatown

by Barbara Wade

San Francisco promises a memorable visit for those planning a vacation or even a few side stops while on a business trip. And if you’re a first-time guest to the city, you won’t want to miss one of the best-loved attractions: Chinatown.

Finding a central location is one key to a successful personal or business trip to San Francisco. For those who want to be in the heart of the city, boutique hotel accommodations are available in the downtown area near Moscone Convention Center. Staying downtown gives you ready access to all that downtown has to offer and is within easy walking distance to Chinatown. Because you’re also within walking distance of Moscone Convention Center, you’ll have added convenience for any conference or convention you’re attending.

Brief History of Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America, dating back to the Gold Rush era. In 1848, Chinese immigrants began arriving to seek their fortune, and the two-and-a-half square block area of Chinatown began taking shape. The 1906 earthquake, though, completely leveled Chinatown. In the aftermath, during the many and heated conversations about where and how Chinatown should be rebuilt (many wanted the Chinese moved to the outskirts of San Francisco if not banished from the city altogether), the decision was finally made to rebuild and expand exactly where Chinatown stood. One of the Chinese merchants even came up with the idea to rebuild it as a kind of theme park with “Oriental” pagodas and facades still present today as a way to draw tourists and visitors.

Despite worldwide events, intervention by the governments (China and the U.S.), and changes in San Francisco, Chinatown provided for itself. By the 1930s, a parallel and self-sufficient community had grown in the dozen square blocks that now comprise Chinatown, complete with its own schools, hospital, nightclubs… there was even a Chinese telephone exchange and a marching band. Today, Chinatown is a surprisingly diverse neighborhood, but the colorful history and cultural influences remain significant, making it a unique and vibrant place for locals and visitors alike.

An Authentic Asian Experience

Although its name is Chinatown, this section of San Francisco is home to Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian and other Asian regions. Today, the largest Chinatown in North America is found in San Francisco. Boutique hotels in the nearby area allow immediate access to stunning Chinese clothing, artwork, souvenirs, home décor items and more that you certainly won’t get at home.

Entering the Chinatown gates on Bush and Grant streets transports you into an amazing world. The authentic Chinese culture is apparent with indoor/outdoor stores and street vendors on practically every sidewalk, the prevalence of the Chinese language, spoken and written everywhere and the stores filled with gorgeous silks and other uniquely Chinese goods. But the smells and tastes of authentic Chinese food are one of the biggest draws.

With practically every variation of Asian cuisine available, chefs offer fabulous delicacies of fresh fish, beef, pork, chicken and vegetables. The culture is so genuine you may believe you’re on another continent. You’ll find makers of fortune cookies, roasted chickens hanging in the windows, bakeries overflowing with Chinese pastries, and fruit and vegetable stands filled with exotic produce.

If you’re visiting San Francisco during January or February, ask about the dates for the Chinese New Year. Varying each year, this exciting celebration can occur as early as January 15 or as late as February 19. The 15th day of the New Year ushers in the Lantern Festival. Taking place at night, this celebration is marked with glorious lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade. Something the entire family will enjoy.

Other festivals to make note of include the Chinese New Year Flower Fair in February, when brilliant blooms take over the heart of Chinatown the weekend before the Lunar New Year, allowing families to buy traditional plants for their celebrations. Streets are filled with authentic dancers, musicians, artists and cultural displays for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Chinatown Community Street Fair in March is a grand celebration complete with streamers, balloons, banners and lanterns. A delightful display of genuine Chinese culture is evident in the kite and lantern- making exhibits, folk dancing, shows and more. The Asian Family Heritage Celebration takes place in May and many other festivals are conducted throughout the year.

Chinatown is a popular attraction that has been loved for centuries, with appeal that’s universal and crosses generational boundaries. The whole family, from children to grandparents, will enjoy spending the day discovering what so many others have fallen in love with.

About the Author

Barbara Wade writes articles for the Prescott Hotel, a San Francisco boutique hotel located downtown near Moscone Center. With luxurious accommodations and a profound sense of environmental responsibility, the Prescott offers a convenient, central location. Visit http://www.prescotthotel.com. © 2007, All Rights Reserved

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