Self Guided Walking Tour of San Francisco Chinatown

Departure Point

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

Return Details

• The Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco is located opposite Portsmouth Square Park on Kearny Street, in a modern skyscraper.

Duration
2 hours - 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages Available

• Audio guide - English
• Printed guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: Dragon's Gate
Bush St, What3words: ///also.secret.ever, San Francisco, 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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: 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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Old Saint Mary's Cathedral
660 California Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Portsmouth Square
50 Walter U Lum Pl, b/t Clay St & Washington St in Chinatown, San Francisco, 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.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Chinese Historical Society of America
965 Clay Street, Chinatown, San Francisco, 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.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Tin How Temple
125 Waverly Place, , San Francisco, 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.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Ross Alley
Between Jackson st and Washington st, San Francisco, 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.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co
56 Ross Aly, , 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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Waverly Place
Waverly Place, San Francisco, CA 94108
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.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Stockton Street
San Francisco, California
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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Chinese Culture Center
750 Kearny St, Third Floor, 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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: WWII Pacific War Memorial
809 Sacramento 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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Sing Fat Co. building
California st and Grant st, San Francisco, California
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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Bruce Lee mural
Commerical & Grant st, San Francisco, California
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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Spofford Street
Spofford Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
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.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Journey To The West Mural
790 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
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.
Duration: 5 minutes

Additional Information

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Inclusions

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

Exclusions

• Smartphone (bring your own)

Redemption Instructions
IMPORTANT – YOUR ACCESS CODE IS: MWQ280 - PLEASE READ STEPS BELOW To access your tour, you’ll need the Drives & Detours App. We recommend downloading the tour in advance in case cell service is unreliable.

DOWNLOAD THE APP:
iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506

UNLOCK YOUR TOUR:
1. Open app, tap "Walking Tours", then "Chinatown"
2. Enter Your Access Code (on iPhone tap "Login to Download" then "Login")
3. Tap "Download Tour" and wait until complete (1-2 minutes)

STARTING THE TOUR:
1. Open app, select your tour
2. Go to start location shown
3. Tap “Start Tour”

ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Tour is valid for 180 days, no need to reschedule
Questions? TEXT us at 619.324.9920

Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

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This offer is not eligible for promo codes.