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Offered languages
- German
- English
Step beyond the painted dragons into the hidden history of San Francisco Chinatown. Discover how a community challenged by anti-Chinese exclusion laws and the devastation of the 1906 earthquake fought back. Through architectural design, landmark civil-rights lawsuits, safe houses, and vibrant public spaces, Chinatown became a national symbol of resilience.
A 1.2 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 81 minutes
Ideal for travelers interested in history, memory, identity, migration, and globalization
Immersive podcast-style storytelling by experts and locals
Matching audio content, in-app guide, and navigation
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Start at Portsmouth Square on Kearny Street in Chinatown. From San Francisco’s main transit hub, take local transit toward Portsmouth Square and walk the final stretch; check the current connection on the day of travel. This is self-guided, so no guide will meet you.
Finish outside the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum on Clay Street. Museum admission is not included. From here, walk to a nearby transit stop and return to San Francisco’s main transit hub; check the current local connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1Portsmouth Square
Known as Chinatown’s living room, this historic public plaza evolved from San Francisco’s original civic center into a hub for social life, elder gatherings, and political activism. The square is freely accessible.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Tin How Temple
Tin How Temple, established in 1852, is a historic Taoist sanctuary tucked onto an upper floor in Chinatown. This self-guided stop views the building from outside; entry is not included.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, known as the Six Companies, coordinated community governance and legal challenges to anti-Chinese legislation. View the historic building from outside; entry is not included.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Donaldina Cameron House grew from a refuge for vulnerable immigrant women into a lasting Chinatown community center. Its red-brick building recalls efforts to help women escape trafficking and exploitation. View the exterior; entry is not included.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
This terraced community playground honors basketball player Willie Wong and reflects Chinatown’s long-standing traditions of youth sport and neighborhood solidarity. The public park is freely accessible.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co
In Ross Alley, this family-run workshop illustrates Chinatown’s small-scale food businesses and the local tradition of handmade fortune cookies. This self-guided stop focuses on the exterior; any purchase is optional and not included.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Chinese Historical Society of America
The Chinese Historical Society of America occupies a landmark building designed by Julia Morgan and preserves Chinese American social history and civil-rights stories. View the exterior; museum admission is not included.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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