Are you ready to explore China in San Francisco and do some shopping? Enjoy the 6th day o four Tour!
Chinatown: considered one of the largest communities outside of China, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in the United States, built in 1848. It is a neighborhood consisting of a Community of Chinese immigrants that has kept its history, culture, customs, identity and language in a region totally different from its origin, starting with the signs that leave English aside and give way to Mandarin. Entering Chinatown, it is possible to see the Dragon’s Gate, which is the main postcard of the neighborhood, containing three lion statues, which according to legend welcome good spirits and ward off evil. Its main avenue is Grant Avenue, Where most of the stores are concentrated, ranging from jewelry, works of art to ‘Made in China’ products. In addtion, it is possible to visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory (famous factory of the traditional fortune cookies since the 60s, admission is free. However there is a fee of US$0,50 to take photographs. It is Located at Ross Alley, 56), Hang Ah Tea Room (a Chinese restaurant with almost 100 years of existence and the oldest in San Francisco. It is Located in 1 Pagoda Pl), Buddha’s Universal Church (first Buddhist church built in the United States and Located at 720 Washington Street), Tin How Temple (oldest Chinese temple in the country, dedicated to Mazu, goddess of the sea and protector of sailors and fishermen. It is Located at 25 Waverley Place and open daily from 9 am to 5 pm), Old St Mary’s Cathedral (built in 1854, it is the oldest Catholic church in the state, where it houses Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus with slanted eyes - Located at 660 California St.), Vital Tea Leaf (tea shop that has free tasting. It is Located at 1044 Grant Ave), Portsmouth Square (a square that brings together several landmarks in the history of San Francisco, such as where the first American flag was raised in San Francisco. Today it is filled with tables for games and Tai Chi practice), Chinese Telephone Exchange Building (old Chinese telefone Exchange. To work at the company the attendants have to speak 5 Chinese dialects and English), China Live (two-story market with typical Chinese fruits and vegetables, inspired by Italy’s Eataly), Stockton Street (a more traditional street, where you can find an animal market). For more information, visit the neighbothood’s website.
Union Square: originally a sand dune, Union Square served as a homeless campsite during the 80s and 90s. Today it is the financial heart, hub of events and meeting point for San Francisco’s residents and tourists alike. In the center of the square, there is the Dewey Monument that honors Admiral George Dewey, considered a hero of the Spanish-American War, and President William McKinley, assassinated in 1901. The monument features Nike, goddess of victory, with a trident that references Dewey and a crown that represents McKinley. In the four corners of the square there is a heart, which every new year is renovated and auctioned for the benefit of the San Francisco General Hospital. In addition to being a financial center, Union Square has one of the largest collections of department stores (such as Macy’s, Uniqlo, GAP, Ross, Marshals), designer stores (such as Gucci, Armani, Dior, Levi’s, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada), restaurants (such as The Grove, Golden Gate Tap Room), art galleries (such as Museum of Modern Art which has art by Pollock, Frida Kahlo and Picasso, or the fully interactive Children’s Creativity Museum, dedicated to children), nightclubs (like The Grand Nightclub) and more. In addition, it is a great region to stay, due to its privileged location, because it is possible to get around on foot, by bus or cable car to any point in San Francisco, and it has the gateway to Chinatown. During the Christmas season, the square gets a Christmas tree and an ice rinkFor mor information about stores, restaurants, hotel, parking lot and much more, visit the square’s website.
A little culture and shopping doesn’t hurt anyone, does it?!?!?!
Stay tuned for the next post of Let’s Travel the World!
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