Take BART to the Country’s Oldest Chinatown

You can step into history in San Francisco's Chinatown. Photo courtesy of SF Travel. 

Did you know that San Francisco is home to the oldest and largest Chinatown in the U.S.? San Francisco's Chinatown is a cultural, historical and culinary landmark — and it’s only 0.4 miles from Montgomery St Station. From food and medicine shops to landmarks and public art, it’s easy to explore the neighborhood's rich history. Here’s your BARTable guide to San Francisco’s Chinatown. Enjoy every taste, sight and shop.

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See Chinatown's historic landmarks. Photo courtesy of History.com.

See Chinatown’s history through its landmarks

In 1848, thousands of Chinese immigrants arrived in San Francisco and settled in Chinatown. The neighborhood continued to grow during the Gold Rush and became a cultural hub for many. Today, you can witness historic landmarks connected to the immigrant story.

The Dragon Gate is often the first thing people see when arriving in Chinatown. Sitting on Bush St. at the entrance to Grant Ave., the landmark from 1970 was designed by Chinese-American architect Clayton Lee using materials gifted from Taiwan.

Step through the iconic gate to explore landmarks, like Old Mary’s Cathedral (660 California St.). Constructed in 1854, it was created to spread Catholicism in Chinatown. It’s the oldest Catholic cathedral still operating in California. Then, wander down Waverly Place, the cultural core of Chinatown, and spot the Street of Painted Balconies (featured in Amy Tan’s popular novel, "The Joy Luck Club"). Here, you'll also find the Tin How Temple (125 Waverly Place), founded in 1852. It's the oldest still-operating Taoist temple in the country. Climb the narrow stairs to see its ornate altar and incense offerings. 

While perusing Chinatown, don’t miss the Chinese Telephone Exchange (743 Washington St.), which opened in 1901 and routed calls for decades to people and businesses in the neighborhood. It now serves as a bank.

When you need a rest, head to Portsmouth Square (Clay St. and Kearny St.), a community gathering place since the mid-1800s. It was here that the discovery of gold was first announced. Today, you’ll spot kids on the playground and locals playing chess and practicing tai chi.

Take a tour to learn more! Photo courtesy San Francisco City Guides. 

Learn more about the history of Chinatown

To dive deeper into the history of San Francisco’s Chinatown, go to the Chinese Historical Society of America (965 Clay St.), the oldest and largest archive dedicated to Chinese American history in the country. Housed in a historic Julia Morgan–designed building, the museum’s exhibits highlight the contributions of Chinese Americans in San Francisco and throughout the country. In addition to exhibitions, the museum regularly hosts talks, film screenings and community projects.

If you’d like to explore Chinatown’s history outdoors, join a walking tour. San Francisco City Guides‘ free option tells the story of Chinatown, from its origins during the Gold Rush to the vibrant neighborhood it is today. The tours also point out things you might otherwise miss, such as public art and murals that celebrate immigrant stories.

You can't miss the ducks in shop windows while strolling through Chinatown. Photo courtesy of Cozymeal. 

Dine on food with historical roots

San Francisco’s Chinatown delivers when it comes to delicious dining options. Equally important to flavor, dishes carry traditions and connect visitors to Chinese culture and history. For example, dim sum, which started in Cantonese tea houses, is designed to be shared. Two popular spots in San Francisco's Chinatown are the Good Mong Kok Bakery (1039 Stockton St.) and City View Restaurant (33 Walter U. Lum Pl.).

Peking duck, a culinary symbol of China, is often enjoyed during celebrations. Tuck into the tender meat and crispy skin at R&G Lounge (631 Kearny St.) or Great Eastern Restaurant (649 Jackson St.). Another fantastic option is Mister Jiu’s (28 Waverly Place), a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

For treats at Chinatown bakeries, try the mooncakes. These pastries are traditionally associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival and symbolize reunion and family. Eastern Bakery (720 Grant Ave.), the oldest bakery in Chinatown (est. 1924), is famous for its made-in-house lotus paste mooncakes.

Stop for tea at Vital Tea Leaf. Photo courtesy of Vital Tea Leaf. 

Explore Chinatown’s shops and traditions

Strolling down Chinatown, you can’t miss the colorful shop windows, some of which are centuries-old traditions. Pop into herbal medicine shops such as Yu Fung Store (910 Grant Ave.) or Tan Hua SF (1143 Stockton St.). Reflecting the community’s deep knowledge of natural healing, shelves here are lined with herbs, teas, and roots used for digestion, energy and wellness.

Similarly, Chinatown's tea shops offer more than just a drink — they showcase centuries-old tea traditions. Popular spots, such as Vital Tea Leaf, offer complimentary tastings of oolong, green, pu-erh and other loose-leaf teas from China and Taiwan, alongside an assortment of teapots and tea accessories. Another standout, Red Blossom Tea Company (831 Grant Ave.), invites visitors to browse over 100 single-origin teas, all of which are available for purchase in single-serving sizes, allowing you to taste at home before committing to a larger quantity.

Strolling through Chinatown, you'll see colorful storefronts offering everything from toys and clothing to art and furniture. Enjoy the variety, and why not pick up a special souvenir to remember your trip to this vibrant neighborhood?

What's your favorite thing to do in SF Chinatown?