Rent A Car San Francisco - Chinatown Information

When you rent a car in San Francisco, make sure that one of your stops is the beautiful Chinatown! With so much to hear, see, smell, and taste, Chinatown is a wonderful destination that will make you feel like you are visiting an entirely different country! Parking is easy to find in Chinatown and will not cost you a fortune! Reserve your rent a car in San Francisco today and come on down to Chinatown and explore a different and exciting culture for the day.

Did You Know? Facts About San Francisco's Chinatown!

San Francisco's Chinatown is the second largest Chinese community in North America, next to the community in New York City!
San Francisco's Chinatown is the most commercial Chinese community in this area.
Chinatown is 8 blocks long and is composed of authentic Chinese architecture, including pagoda-roofed buildings, decorative lamp posts, and old-fashioned Chinese-style phone booths.
Chinatown is home to Grant Avenue, which is San Francisco's oldest street.

Chinatown's History

Rent a car in San Francisco and make your way to Chinatown today! Enjoy wonderful shopping and authentic cuisine as you appreciate the history of this intense ethnic community. Take a look at the following Chinatown timeline and keep the dates in mind as you enjoy your rent a car in San Francisco!

1848 - The first Chinese immigrants (two men and one woman) arrive in San Francisco.
1849 - Gold is discovered at Sutter's mill, creating excitement and an explosion of interest in the area.
1859 - The "Chinese School" is created which designates that Chinese students must attend this school and not any other public schools in San Francisco.
1880 - The First Chinese Baptist Church is formed.
1885 - The "Chinese School" is renamed the "Oriental School" to allow for admission of students of Japanese and Korean descent.
1908 - The Chinese Chamber of Commerce is formed.
1940 - Chinatown produces its first English language newspaper for the community.
1963 - The Chinese Historical Society of America is formed.
1982 - The first Chinese American woman is seen regularly on national television.

Attractions in Chinatown - Where to Go in Your Rent a Car in San Francisco!

Bank of Canton

The Bank of Canton is the restored building that was actually the first building in San Francisco's Chinatown. Originally the Chinese Telephone Exchange, the Bank of Canton was beautifully restored in 1960 and features authentic Chinese design, decorating, and tourist appeal!

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company

Located at 56 Ross Alley in San Francisco's Chinatown, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company has been producing fortune cookies since 1962. You can watch fortune cookies being baked and folded, and maybe even try one or two or the traditional Chinese deserts! The fortune cookie is made and cooked in a machine and then a printed fortune is inserted to be enjoyed by the taster! The actual fortune cookie is then finished by being folded by hand. For more information, call (415) 781-3956.

Grant Avenue

If you are interested in exploring the tourist side of Chinatown, visit Grant Avenue for many souvenir shops, restaurants, and antique stores. This street is particularly tourist-oriented near Union Square and by the Chinatown Gates. You can also explore the famous Chinatown alleys, markets, and unique furniture shops.

Tips for Visiting Chinatown in your Rent a Car in San Francisco:

Do not just stay on Grant Street. Make sure you explore other quieter streets as much as you can to get an authentic taste of Chinatown.
Make sure you try some Chinese delicacies!
Walk through the grocery markets on Stockton Streets and pick up something new!
Do not be afraid of a different culture! Go into many different stores, even ones where the storekeepers do not speak English.
Try a moon cake from a bakery, a fresh fortune cookie, or some fresh Dim Sum.
Do not take pictures if you happen to find yourself wandering through a live poultry market. This is very controversial!