San Francisco boasts the largest Chinatown in the world, outside Asia. Although established in 1850 during the gold rush and railroad eras, making this the oldest Chinatown in North America, the 1906 earthquake largely destroyed the original buildings. Long rebuilt, today Chinatown remains a self-sufficient ‘city within a city’, where Chinese culture and customs remain intact and where population density continues to outnumber the San Francisco average. This vibrant, colorful and dynamic neighborhood is characterized by various yearly festivals, exquisite markets, Buddhist Temples and a wide selection of Chinese restaurants providing some of the best Chinese food outside of China. Indeed, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the birthplace of Chop Suey!

No matter what your interests are, you’ll find something to keep you intrigued as you marvel at the energetic nature of the district. You can absorb Chinatown’s unique culture and history, spanning almost 200 years, while you visit your preference of market place, herbalist, Buddhist temple, fortune cookie factory, or simply enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at its best. San Francisco’s Chinatown is an experience not to be missed.