San Francisco Chinatown Self-Guided Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant and historic San Francisco Chinatown at your own pace on this self-guided walking tour.
As the oldest Chinatown in North America, this neighborhood offers a rich tapestry of stories, from the resilient spirit of its early immigrants to the lively markets and serene temples that define its character today.

Discover iconic sites like the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and hidden gems tucked away in lantern-lit alleys.

Engaging narration will illuminate the cultural significance of this unique community, providing a fresh perspective on a beloved destination that tourists often overlook.

— Self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace
— Visit historic landmarks and hidden corners of Chinatown
— Discover the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
— Engaging stories bring the cultural heritage of Chinatown to life

Meeting Point

Dragon Gate

500 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Dragon Gate is located at the corner of Bush Street and Grant Avenue. It is a traditional Chinese gate, with a green roof.

What's included:

• Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
• Audio Guide
• App and Tour Download

Not included:

• Smartphone (bring your own)

What to expect:

Duration: between 2 hours and 2 hours, 30 minutes

Dragon's Gate

Bush St, What3words: ///also.secret.ever, San Francisco, 94108, California

Step through this iconic gateway and into the heart of Chinatown. With its ornate stone lions and sweeping green roof, the Dragon’s Gate marks the start of Grant Avenue—and the beginning of an unforgettable cultural journey.

5 minutes

Grant Avenue

Grant Avenue, San Francisco, California

Grant Avenue is Chinatown’s main artery and oldest street, lined with lanterns, specialty shops, and historic buildings. It’s a vibrant blend of past and present, perfect for strolling, shopping, and soaking in local color.

5 minutes

Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

660 California Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 94108, California

Built in 1854, this Gothic brick cathedral is one of the city’s oldest surviving landmarks. Its enduring presence offers a glimpse into Chinatown’s layered spiritual and immigrant history—complete with a bell that once rang across Gold Rush-era San Francisco.

5 minutes

Portsmouth Square

50 Walter U Lum Pl, b/t Clay St & Washington St in Chinatown, San Francisco, 94108, California

This lively plaza has been a gathering place since the city’s earliest days and is known as the Heart of Chinatown. It buzzes with games, conversation, and a deep sense of community tradition today.

10 minutes

Chinese Historical Society of America

965 Clay Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 94108-1527, California

Housed in a former YWCA designed by Julia Morgan, this museum brings the Chinese American experience to life through compelling exhibits, artifacts, and untold stories. It’s a must-visit for context, connection, and cultural insight.

Pass by without stopping

Chinese Culture Center

750 Kearny St, Third Floor, San Francisco, 94108-1809, California

Tucked above the streets in a modern building, this dynamic arts space showcases contemporary Chinese American voices through visual art, performance, and exhibitions. It’s where tradition and innovation meet.

10 minutes

Tin How Temple

125 Waverly Place, , San Francisco, 94108, California

One of the oldest functioning Chinese temples in the U.S., Tin How Temple is a quiet sanctuary tucked above the bustle. Step inside to experience the spiritual heart of the neighborhood, rich with incense, prayer, and history.

10 minutes

Ross Alley

Between Jackson st and Washington st, San Francisco, California

Ross Alley is one of Chinatown’s most atmospheric backstreets. Narrow, colorful, and full of character. Once known for gambling dens and barber shops, it now offers quiet charm—and a few hidden gems.

5 minutes

Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co

56 Ross Aly, , San Francisco, 94108-1204, California

Watch fortune cookies made fresh by hand at this tiny, one-of-a-kind factory tucked into Ross Alley. The sweet scent of vanilla and the snap of folded cookies make this stop unforgettable.

10 minutes

Waverly Place

Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Known as the Street of Painted Balconies, Waverly Place is lined with vibrant façades, historic associations, and hidden temples. It’s a colorful stroll through the spiritual and architectural heart of Chinatown.

5 minutes

Stockton Street

San Francisco, California

Lively and bustling, Stockton Street is where locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, and specialty goods. Less touristy than Grant Avenue, it offers an authentic slice of everyday Chinatown life.

5 minutes

Bruce Lee mural

Commerical & Grant st, San Francisco, California

Bold and dynamic, this larger-than-life mural honors martial arts legend Bruce Lee, who spent part of his childhood in Chinatown. It's a striking tribute to strength, identity, and cultural pride.

5 minutes

Journey To The West Mural

790 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

This bright and whimsical mural brings the legendary tale of the Monkey King to life. It’s both a celebration of Chinese folklore and a vibrant piece of public art that enlivens the streetscape.

5 minutes

Spofford Street

Spofford St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Spofford Alley was once a hub of secret societies and underground activity and now offers a quieter walk through Chinatown’s layered past. Its narrow passageways hold echoes of resilience, resistance, and community life behind the scenes.

5 minutes

WWII Pacific War Memorial

809 Sacramento St, San Francisco, 94108-2116, California

This thoughtful memorial honors the contributions of Chinese Americans during World War II, particularly in the Pacific theater. Through photos, artifacts, and stories, it sheds light on a powerful chapter of shared history and sacrifice.

10 minutes

Sing Fat Co. building

California st and Grant st, San Francisco, California

The Sing Chong and Sing Fat Buildings are iconic twin structures with pagoda-inspired rooftops that helped define the look of post-earthquake Chinatown. They remain architectural landmarks and symbols of cultural pride and perseverance, and stand proudly at the Dragon’s Gate.

5 minutes