Shop, Dine and Explore Chinatown on Muni

Share this:

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest Chinatown in North America. As you walk through the iconic Dragons Gate, you’ll enter the bustling maze of streets and alleys, brimming with culture and cuisines. Chinatown is home to 10,000 San Franciscans and packed with hundreds of small businesses to support. As you walk through this neighborhood, you’ll be transported back in time and become immersed in the rich Chinese culture and history the neighborhood holds.  

Ride with Ease to Chinatown

T Third, California Cable Car, Powell / Hyde Cable Car, Powell / Mason Cable Car, 1 California, 5/5R Fulton, 6 Haight/Parnassus, 7 Haight/Noriega, 8 Bayshore/8AX/8BXBayshore, 9/9R San Bruno, 12 Folsom/Pacific, 21 Hayes, 30 Stockton, 31 Balboa, 38/38R Geary, 39 Coit, 45 Union/Stockton 

Shop, Dine, Explore 

  • Shop: As you stroll down the streets of Chinatown, you’ll find enticing eateries and stores. To snag a souvenir or antique, Grant Ave (SF’s first street) is a great option. To shop like a local and get a true taste of Chinatown, pursue the vibrant markets on Stockton Street – you can score goodies like duck, Chinese produce and traditional herbs. Click here for a full directory of shops. 

  • Dine: Chinatown’s culinary scene is not one to miss! With a variety of restaurants to choose from, you can nosh on traditional and new Chinese cuisine, dim sum and more. Unwind after dinner at one of many cocktail lounges or test your vocal skills out at a karaoke bar. Click here for the directory of restaurants. 

  • Explore: As the center of Chinese culture in SF there’s endless options to explore. Some areas of interest include; Waverly Place which holds Tin How Temple, the oldest surviving Taoist temple in San Francisco (and one of the oldest in the country), Portsmouth Square. The best way to explore is by foot or another SF icon, the cable car.  

Celebrate 

Chinatown hosts various events throughout the year; however, the Chinese New Year Parade in February cannot be missed! The two-week celebration takes over the streets of Chinatown and culminates in a spectacular parade featuring dancers, music and a dragon that's more than 200 feet long, requiring 100 people to carry.  

Learn more at SF Chinatown Merchants and San Francisco Chinatown