Chinatown Research Paper

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San Francisco’s Chinatown is popular with tourists, yet a surprising number of locals have never been. Given the area’s rich history and cultural heritage, it’s a fun place to visit. But when you factor in the amazing food and unique shopping, it’s a fabulous daycation! The “city within a city,” as Chinatown is sometimes called was established as a neighborhood by immigrant Chinese workers. This 24-block area near the Financial District represents the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America. It is a vibrant center of San Francisco and despite the throngs of visitors who come for a “taste” of China, it maintains its significance to the Chinese community. If you enter Chinatown on Grant Avenue and Bush Street, you’ll go through the “Dragon’s Gate,” an example of ornate Chinese architecture. Regardless of your starting point, prepare to be immersed in the hustle and bustle that takes place both along the narrow streets and in the alleyways. As you explore, you’ll come across many shops. Even if you aren’t in the market for anything special, the shops are worth a look. While a lot of them sell curios, you can also find pottery, silks, and herbal remedies. The dim sum and noodles are a big draw for …show more content…

Or you can—and should—visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Tucked away in an alley, cookies are being made by hand in this small working factory. Visitors are allowed inside in groups of ten to catch a glimpse of the action or make purchases. The “tour” is free, but photos aren’t. (A posted sign says $.50 cents per photo, but for a dollar, I was allowed to take as many pictures as I liked.) You can buy regular fortune cookies in several flavors (try the chocolate!), or you can write your own fortune and make a personalized cookie. Bargain lovers can purchase bags of broken

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