Explore Chinatown in San Francisco

About 10 year(s) ago by King George Hotel
Explore Chinatown in San Francisco
San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the most famous neighborhoods in America and is just steps from the King George Hotel! As the largest Chinese community outside of Asia, Chinatown SF dates back to the middle of the nineteenth century. The history of Chinatown in San Francisco starts with arrival of thousands of Chinese at the dawn of the California Gold Rush in 1848. Many of these immigrants went on to help build the transcontinental railroad. Shortly after the turn of the twentieth century, the neighborhood was almost completely destroyed by the 1906 earthquake. After the disaster, local businessmen sought to expand the financial district and move the Chinese residents to another part of the city. But the community banded together and saw the completion of the landmark Sing Chong and Sing Fat buildings that signified the residents’ commitment to stay in the area.
The Bank of Canton, formerly the Chinese Telephone Exchange, has also become an iconic landmark. The structure closed when switchboards gave way to more “modern” rotary phones. The Bank of Canton bought the restored the building in 1960. Today the neighborhood is a wonderful place for souvenir shopping and sight seeing. Several organizations offer walking tours, including All About Chinatown and Wok Wiz. Explore Chinatown’s famous alleys, houses of worship, and of course shops and restaurants. It’s no surprise that you’ll find the best Chinese food in this iconic neighborhood. The neighborhood hosts events such as film festivals, street celebrations, and art exhibits all throughout held throughout the year.
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