chinatown guided tour

FREE CHINATOWN GUIDED TOUR 2024 | NYC (Multiple Languages)

Tue Mar 26 2024 at 05:00 pm to Tue Dec 31 2024 at 07:00 pm UTC-04:00

Chinatown | new york.

Join us for a fun and informative Chinatown Guided Tour from the one and only New York City! Explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown in NYC with our knowledgeable guides who will show you the best spots and share interesting facts about the history and culture of this iconic neighborhood.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, this tour is a great way to discover hidden gems and learn more about the rich heritage of Chinatown. The tour will be conducted in multiple languages to cater to a diverse audience.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Chinatown!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Chinatown, Chinatown, New York, United States

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CHINATOWN WALKING TOUR:

Struggles Of Our Forefathers

Discover the charm of Chinatown as you delve into the labyrinthine streets adorned with century-old shophouses and iconic temples on this immersive Chinatown walking tour. Let our tour guides take you back in time with amazing stories of the early Chinese immigrants, and learn how they overcame adversities to build a life in Singapore.  Uncover hidden gems as you gain insights into local Chinese culture & customs, and explore the vibrant street market and bustling hawker centers. Along the way, we'll introduce you to Chinatown's rich heritage, including its significant historical sites. Don't miss this chance to experience the essence of Chinatown with us. Secure your spot on our FREE Chinatown Tour now!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Chinatown

Chinatown's shophouse charms & iconic temples await your discovery

Immersive Storytelling

Engaging tales of early Chinese pioneers bring history to life

Picture-Perfect Spots

Snap photos of beautiful streets, art murals and bustling markets

Local Heritage & Culture

Immerse in Chinatown's rich heritage & cultural traditions

Get Local Recommendations

Discover best places to eat & shop in Chinatown

HEAR WHAT YOUR FELLOW

Travellers say, magnificent chinatown free walking tour.

I had the pleasure of joining Leonard's walking tour in Chinatown, Singapore, and it was an unforgettable experience! Leonard's knowledge of Chinatown's history and culture is truly impressive. His informative commentary made me felt like I was transported back in time as he recounted captivating stories of the early settlers and their contributions to the city. The tour was exceptionally well-paced too. What I appreciated the most was Leonard's ability to engage with everyone in the group. It truly felt like we were exploring the city with a knowledgeable friend. I cannot recommend Leonard's walking tour enough, especially for those seeking a deeper understanding of Singapore's rich cultural tapestry. Kudos to Leonard & I will definitely be joining his other tours in the future!

- This tour covers approximately 2km and is not recommended for individuals requiring walking assistance (e.g., wheelchair users), groups exceeding 5 participants, or student groups. For a more personalized experience, please email us to inquire about our private tour options. - Please note that our tour guides may decline walk-ins, large groups, or student groups.

- Walk-ins are welcomed but priority will be given to those who have booked the tour. - We appreciate your punctual attendance and to avoid no-shows once booking is made. - This tour will be conducted rain or shine, regardless of the number of pax. - As this is our free walking tour, our tour guides are remunerated based on your generous tips. Please refer to our tipping guide.

Looking to book a private tour?

Please enquire for a private tour if you have more than 5 pax or a student group. If you would like to book this tour with your own group (e.g. family, friends) at your preferred date and time, please contact us to arrange a private tour. 

What's Included

- Guided Chinatown Tour - English-speaking Tour Guide

Sites You Will Visit:

1. Telok Ayer MRT 2. Fuk Tak Chi Museum 3. Thian Hock Keng Temple​ 4. Ann Siang Hill 5. Maxwell Food Centre 6. Sri Mariamman Temple 7. Coolie House 8. Chinatown Heritage Centre 9. Smith Street - "Lai Chun Yuan Opera House" 10. Sago Lane - "Former Death Houses" 11. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple 12. Chinatown Complex (Ending Point) Please note that sites or routes may be subject to changes based on actual day conditions. ​

Tour Details

Date & Time:

Mon (9:30am - 12:00pm), Tue, Thu & Sat (4:00pm)

Meeting Point:

Telok Ayer MRT Exit B (Street Level)

2 Hrs 30 Mins

Free (Tip-based)

(See Tipping Guide )

KAMPONG GELAM TOUR

LITTLE INDIA TOUR

• Food Adventures
• Ugly Food Tours
• Special Tours
• Our Signature Chinatown Walk – Free Walking Tour
• “Our Singapore Story” Walk down the Singapore River – Free Walking Tour
• “Balik Kampong” Walk through Kampong Glam – Free Walking Tour
• Our “Sari, Spice and Everything Nice” tour through Little India – Free Walking Tour
• Private Tours
• Corporate and MICE
• Indie Guide

Our Signature Chinatown Walk – Free Walking Tour

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• Specially curated Tours & Activities
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• Check out the must-see highlights of the area
• Hear the hidden stories and the uncover the "not-so-known" local favorite hang outs as well

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Do not hesitate to drop us an email or a message (via Facebook). We are happy to talk to you.

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The one that started it all! Our first and signature tour. Join us for a 3 Hour Walk through the heart of Singapore.

You’ll be introduced to the City in a Garden and sneak a peek at how the locals live, play and eat.

We will bring you into Chinatown – a tourist attraction, but at the same time, also a local living area. Over the period of the tour, we hope that you will see how our unique blend of culture/religion/perspective has shaped Singapore to the city that it is today.

The walking tour aims to go deeper than just introducing the sites: we’ll stray off the beaten path and delve into the city’s amazing history. While we are at it, we will also show you some of our favorite eating spots!

Of course, we’ll also try to provide you with an insider’s take on what you can do during your stay in Singapore.

If you would like to go on this tour on your own date/time, head on to this page , or   drop us an email, and we can customize this tour for you.

Tour Details

Book your slots for a guaranteed spot on our tours (registration is free and it helps make sure we have enough guides on the job). You are welcome to meet us at the meeting point without a reservation, but we cannot guarantee that you will be able to join us if the group is full.

These tours are FREE, but tips are welcome (our guides receive no other compensation or commissions).

We believe that tips given should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveler. Value for money goes a long way, and satisfied customers tip what they think the tour was worth!

We do not accept large group/organization bookings for our Free Tours, as they are intended for individual/small family signups only (max 5 persons/signup). They follow a set schedule and are not customizable. We place a limit on the number of sign ups per tour to ensure that everyone has a chance to go on the tour with us. Our aim is for our guests to have a more personal and intimate experience with us.

For larger groups and/or corporations, we recommend engaging us for our private customized paid tours . That way you can customize what you would like to see as well as set a date/time that is suitable for your group.

Departure & Return Location

Starting Point: OUTSIDE Exit A of Chinatown MRT Station; Pagoda Street ( Google Maps )

Ending Point: Maxwell Hawker Centre ( Google Map )

Fixed Departure Time

Tuesdays and Fridays: 09:30am 

Price Includes

• English-Speaking Professional Tour Guide

Price Excludes

• Additional Food and Drink
• Any Private Expenses/Shopping

What to Expect

This was the tour that started it all for us!

This tour has been reinvented and adapted over its 6-year run. Join us for our signature 3-hour walk through the heart of Singapore. Let us share with you our stories of this amazing district and show you some of our favourite spots!

Our tours will follow all current Safe Distancing Measures (SDM) as prescribed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) during the Circuit Breaker (CB) period.

This will include limiting the number of guests allowed on each tour. Guest in one tour group may also have to be further divided into smaller sub groups with sub group size mandated by the current SDM

Where we meet - OUTSIDE EXIT A of Chinatown MRT Station

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Chinatown Singapore Guide 2023: Best Things to do & eat

Chinatown was one of my favorite walks in all of Singapore . Away from the skyline, this hub of bustling markets brings a down-to-earth part of Singapore to light. Writing this Chinatown Singapore Guide took me back on a sweet memory lane to the evening here.

As someone who doesn’t like crowds, I was unsure of what to expect here. But the moment I witnessed the colorful lights floating over my head, I was glad! It was to be quite a chunk on my SG travel blog . There are tons of places for walking tours ( like Marina Bay ) in SG and Chinatown is a must! Here goes my Chinatown Singapore Guide.

Table of Contents

Self-Guided Walking Tour Chinatown Singapore

Most people talk of the must-try foods here which make up for most of the spot! But with Chinatown’s heritage since the country’s beginnings and lit markets, there’s a lot more. This Chinatown Singapore Guide shall take you through all the things to do here.

What to expect

I visited Chinatown in the evening and highly recommend you do the same. The evenings are when the place comes alive; Get a small backpack along with a water bottle. Don’t carry too much luggage as you’ll need to walk around a lot.

Get some comfortable shoes on and begin! Unlike most attractions of Singapore like the Zoo or the National Gallery , you don’t need a ticket as such to enter or walk around. It’s a part of the everyday city.

But you’ll find paid tours that guide you around the heritage key spots of town. Now, should you get yourself a paid tour? Well, it depends on whether you’d prefer a paid walking tour or a self-guided walk.

Chinatown Walking Tour Guides Singapore

To make sure not to miss out on anything important here, put in some time beforehand and get your itinerary checklist in place before you get here. But if that’s too much work for you and are willing to pay for a leisure walk, the walking tour guide is highly recommended!

It also avoids the self-guide hustle of holding the maps up every 20 seconds. I took a self-guided walk around the place but I missed out on a few spots. I wished I’d read more about the place beforehand.

The best part of guided tours is that even tours are out-of-the-box here to make history interesting! One is the Trishaw Uncle Guided tours (yes, they take you around with the trishaw). Something like the infamous Singapore River Cruise at Clarke Quay.

Another is the Murder Game tour where you’ll get around Chinatown while playing a history game! Find your preferred tour guide on Klook below and book before you miss out on great deals !

For self-guided explorers like myself, don’t worry! Keep reading this post for all the key spots before you visit. Thus this self-guided walking tour of Chinatown Singapore.

Chinatown Singapore Guide: Best Things to do

The moment you land in Chinatown, Singapore, you’ll find yourself wandering away into amazing shops, colorful buildings, and aromatic food around. There’s so much detail you observe when you visit it physically – especially the cozy tiny streets you walk through.

In fact, I didn’t know the names of the streets that lured me in with their colorful air. I had to figure them out while writing this article.

Walking through Chinatown, you’ll come across all these places one after the other. Walk through the streets, take pictures, talk to people, and enjoy your tour! Here are all the best things to do in Chinatown Singapore Guide.

Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

This majestic landmark beaming between Chinatown’s bustling streets and skyscrapers was my first stop here. There’s no hard and fast on when to visit the temple. But if you’re visiting Chinatown in the evening, get there at least at 4 pm.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple closes at 5 every day. Having an hour (or more if you’re too passionate) to tour the entire temple place is sufficient.

Another post for you to read: River Wonders Singapore Review: 5 Rare Creatures to Spot !

Walk the Pagoda Street

Chinatown Singapore guide: Pagoda street is where you’ll go back in time to the colorful Chinatown markets. Running parallel to Chinatown Temple Street, this 250m stretch of the paved footpath is filled with shops and restaurants on either side and it’s ever-lively!

Even if you’re broke, I suggest you visit it for the street’s ambiance, lighting, and Instagrammable shots. Thank me later. Take a stroll till the end of Pagoda Street towards Shri Mariamman Temple.

Check out the Chinatown Heritage Center museum

Oh, you’re already on Pagoda Street? You might as well snuggle into Chinatown’s Heritage Center – it’s right on the way! I couldn’t visit this museum as it remains closed for the time period as it undergoes review.

But I hope it opens soon for your visit! When you do visit, expect to dive into the lives of early landers of Singapore. The laborers, traders, and immigrants and their stories of victories and struggles. If it opens up, I’ll be sure to visit it!

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Eat at the Maxwell Food Centre

A friend suggested me this place, the Maxwell Food Centre. And sure enough, the place is popular to be a landmark around here. The food center located by Maxwell Road is a large food court with a bunch of hawker stalls.

They serve a range of Chinatown delicacies including the popular chicken rice and dim sums! If you’re a foodie and looking to try every food place out here. I suggest eating to a minimum at Maxwell as there are still a ton of outdoor hawker stalls!

For small street hawker stalls, expect to spend around $4-6 SGD for a dish. But there are also bigger places with nice seating arrangements where it can cost between $8-10 SGD. For an authentic place, it’s worth the money as well.

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Try out hawkers at Complex, 335 Smith Street

For newcomers, it’s tough to figure out where to eat. Going around Chinatown’s Complex on Smith Street with a series of restaurants, it all comes to where you end up. At the end of this street, you’ll also find the infamous Hawker Chan restaurant which previously held a Michelin star!

I was too hungry when I arrived in Chinatown. So I plunged to the first hawker spot I found – the Tiong Bahru Chicken Rice. Not to mention, this place was popular among locals and a lot of people came in! I got a medium-sized Hainanese chicken rice with soup for myself and it was worth the S$ 3.5!

Take pictures at the People’s Park Complex

Find this name familiar from social media? Sure, it’s a beautiful picturesque spot. But the People’s Park Complex is worth the sight regardless of its distinguished structure. There’s a lot more to it than its looks.

The People’s Park Complex is very different from the skyscrapers you see in SG today. Built after Chinatown’s market fires in 1966 with millions of dollars in damages, it stood as one of its kind in Southeast Asia back in the day. The 40-year-old structure stood as the biggest shopping complex back in the day!

Another post for you to read: Bird Park Paradise Review – Ultimate 1-Day Trip in Singapore

Visit the Shri Mariamman Temple

Though living near Singapore for almost a decade, never had I realized the Hindu Temple – Shri Mariamman Temple was around Chinatown’s corner. Though worlds apart from Chinatown’s streets, it’s a must-visit in Chinatown!

This temple is very similar to many beautiful Dravidian-style builds I’ve come across in India. Built-in 1827, it is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple! What I loved most about Pagoda Street and Mariamman Temple is how so many cultures come in together in a single place.

Right next to it is Masjid Jamae and the Buddha temple isn’t a far walk away either. It’s quite a wonder to see!

Take a stroll on Telok Ayer Street

Another gem of Chinatown Singapore Guide that I deeply regret missing out on is Telok Ayer Street. It’s a 500-meter walk from Pagoda street. Begin with walking the Telok Ayer Green park with its black metal sculptures and the Nagore Dargah museum at its corner.

With a series of restaurants similar to the rest here, Telok Ayer street stands apart with its appearance. The place blends today’s technology and development with remainders of old Singapore with its colorful shophouses. There are also some places to see here like the Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Singapore Musical Box Museum.

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Shop at the street markets of Chinatown

Remember those fancy lights around Pagoda Street? Right from Buddha Tooth Relic Temple’s Kreta Ayer Square, walk into the alleys of the street markets of Chinatown. It’s best to walk in the evenings. The bright hues come to life at night over your head.

Gift shops of all sorts become livelier than ever. Yet, the pavements remain clean and photogenic throughout with so many tourists flocking in. The gift shop items are equally alluring with their curious detailed works. I couldn’t help buying myself a hand fan embroidered with Chinese scripts and Pandas on it!

Mural Paintings around Chinatown Singapore Guide

Another thing to look out for is street art – Chinatown’s Mural heritage or Chinatown Wall paintings. The picture at the beginning of this article? That’s one of them! Called the Labour of Love murals, you’ll find these amazing paintings in the alleys of Chinatown.

It’s hard to spot them with the bustle. But keep an eye on the alley walls, you’ll find them! These depict the histories of lives in old Chinatown and add up to the flavor of the place. Keep an eye out for them for I found only one! You can even book a tour just to spot all these amazing wall paintings. Here’s a great tour on Klook for the same:

Taste a pinch of Ya Kun Kaya Toast

People who live in Singapore know of the popular restaurants around here. But there are too many to count for tourists. Ya Kun Kaya Toast is another resto chain with restaurants across over a dozen countries.

However, I put it on this list because the infamous Ya Kun Kaya Toast empire began here – at Telok Ayer Street, Chinatown! Loi Ah Koon started it here at Telok Ayer in 1944 and today it looks to expand to Brunei, India, and Malaysia. Its ingredients are simple with bread, yet delicious with its kaya .

Tailpiece: Singapore Chinatown Guide

That sums up for most of my Singapore Chinatown Guide to the best places to visit. I was glad I could visit most of Chinatown in the evening. Yet, I know I missed a good deal of stuff like the Ya Kun Kaya Toast and the top floors of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

It’s not tough to fall in love with the place here. If you think you might, you will . Much sooner than you think. Keep half a day for a complete walking tour of the place. Another idea is to spend two evenings here instead and roam Singapore elsewhere during the day. With the MRT, it shouldn’t be hard getting around.

After getting around Chinatown, I sat down at Kreta Ayer Square facing the Buddha temple as dusk fell. It was time to head back to my cozy SpacePod at Lavender . Tired and weary, I needed a break from all the walk. Stallkeepers and workers were headed home. One Chinese old man came and sat down on the stairs beside me.

He smiled and I waved hi. We then talked for a good 15 minutes. Where we had come from and how we’d come here. Sounds pretty sweet, doesn’t it? Talk to people on your visit. Be friendly. It’ll make the trip worth it all!

Tell me how your self guided walking tour of Chinatown Singapore went in the comment section below. I’ll be happy to hear about it :)

Manas Patil

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Singapore Chinatown Self-Guided Walking Tour

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

A tour of Singapore isn’t complete without a trip to Chinatown! There are many things to do in Chinatown – from visiting temples to perusing the shops to sampling the delectable Chinatown Singapore food. It is one of the best places to explore in Singapore by walking – and we created a fantastic Self-guided Singapore Chinatown Tour.

Visitors can just let their senses lead the way – as there is something to see and smell along every street. However, if you want to know what to see in Chinatown Singapore – and not miss a thing – then use our outlined Singapore Tour Itinerary to help find the best Chinatown Singapore attractions.

For us, Chinatown is one of the most interesting places to visit in Singapore – and by using our Singapore Chinatown Self-Guided Walking Tour – you will see why!

About Our Singapore Chinatown Walking Tour

The Chinatown Singapore attractions are located in a compact area. Our Chinatown tour is a little over half a mile (1km) and can be completed in less than half an hour (without entering any sights). We suggest taking your time and allowing for at least 2 hours. In addition to the list of places to go in Chinatown, we provide tips on the best food in Chinatown, Singapore, too! 

Chinatown Walking Tour Singapore: What You Will Need

Before you set off on your self-guided China town tour, make sure you are prepared for your walk! 

Comfortable Shoes

As with any sightseeing Singapore walking tour, comfortable shoes are an essential item for exploring Chinatown. I like to wear lightweight shoes – likes these from Columbia – and Kris prefers to wear his Merrell trail shoes for urban strolling. Read more about our reviews and choices for the Best Shoes for Travel !

Water 

Because of the stifling heat and humidity of Singapore, it is also necessary to have a bottle of water for your Chinatown walking trip. We like these refillable, collapsible water bottles that are perfect for travelers (yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Singapore).

Travel Camera

In our guide of what to do in Chinatown Singapore, we feature the best sights and most amazing architecture. Rather than relying on your phone camera to capture the beauty of the district, we recommend using a real camera . In our travels, we use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens that is perfect for Chinatown Singapore sightseeing!

Weather Appropriate Items

When you go to Chinatown in Singapore, make sure you are prepared for the weather. If it is sunny (as it often is), slather on the sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed travel hat for your walk. If the forecast calls for rain, carry a packable raincoat in your day pack . For both sunny and rainy weather, a travel umbrella is recommended for protection from either.

WiFi and Chinatown Map Singapore

At the end of the article we have included a Chinatown Singapore Map of Sights, which will help you find your way to each attraction. However, in order to use the SG Chinatown Map during your walk you will need a WiFi connection . We use a GlocalMe hotspot , which we think is the best way for travelers to stay connected abroad. 

That said, a paper map is always a good back up! We recommend buying a Singapore Map (Chinatown included) like this one .

Singapore Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may protect against trip cancellations and lost luggage , but it could also come in handy if you get ill or injured abroad . Find more details – including coverage and cost – on World Nomads . 

Pro Tip:  Be sure to get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Singapore by using our Trip Planning Printables !

Guided Singapore Chinatown Tours  

Our Chinatown Tour for Singapore is designed as a self-guided walk to the highlights of the district. However, visitors who would rather join Guided Chinatown Tours have many choices. If you are looking for a guided Chinatown tour in Singapore, check out the highly-rated tours on Viator . This 4-hour Combo Tour gets rave reviews!

Our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Chinatown Singapore begins near the Chinatown MRT Station and makes nine stops. Chinatown Singapore tourist attractions are listed in order of our walking tour, however, don’t hesitate to detour if a sight, scent or sound catches your attention!

#1 Thye Shan Medical Hall

Established in 1955, Thye Shan Medical Hall practices Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). At their location, they have a range of Chinese medicine and health products, as well as qualified Chinese physicians who can recommend herbs, teas and tonics for ailments.

Some of the most popular products at the Chinatown herbal shop are pre-packaged multi-herb soups (like the 12 Herb Brain Tonic Soup), cleansing herbal teas and crocodile oil for dry skin. 

#2 Chinatown Heritage Center

If you are wondering where to go in Chinatown Singapore to learn more about the district, head inside the Chinatown Heritage Center. Located in restored shophouses, the Chinatown Heritage Center offers insight into the history of Chinatown and the Chinese people who inhabited the district. 

#3 Sri Mariamman Temple and Masjid Jamae Mosque

Walk down Pagoda Street and make your way to the Sri Mariamman Temple. As the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, it is one of the top places to visit in Chinatown. Unlike the traditional Chinese temples that are ornately decorated in red and gold, the Sri Mariamman Temple incorporates all colors of the rainbow and rooftops are covered in sculptures of deities, including several animals.

Across the street from Sri Mariamman Temple is another unique place of worship, the Masjid Jamae (Chulia) Mosque. The ‘Big Mosque’ was founded in 1826 and adds a unique architectural element to the district. 

#4 Herbal Medicine Shops and Singapore Chinatown Shopping

Walk south on South Bridge Road toward the Chinatown Street Market for some of the best Singapore shopping. 

Along the route, there are a fascinating number of herbal medicine shops selling remedies to cure just about any ailment – and visiting these shops is one of the top things to do in Chinatown Singapore. From loose herbs to pre-packaged combinations of whole, dried herbs ready for boiling into tea, the options were almost endless. The dried squid and lizards caught my attention, but I was weary of what – if anything – they might cure!

Vendors under the canopies of Chinatown Street Markets – one of the most famous Singapore walking streets – sell an array of goods. Visitors will find everything from inexpensive souvenirs to local food to bargain apparel. 

#5 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Next to the Chinatown Street Markets is the grandest of all Chinatown temples: The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The temple was completed in 2007 after receiving the Sacred Buddah Tooth Relic as a gift and the multi-level complex has all the bells and whistles a Buddah Tooth deserves. The temple is the highlight of Chinatown Singapore tourist attractions.

The Singapore China town temple is truly a feast for the senses. Seven floors of glimmering gold, intense chanting and more than 10,000 Buddha statues had us wandering the halls in awe.  In search of the elusive Buddha tooth we unsuccessfully canvassed every floor, including the rooftop orchid garden and spinning prayer wheel!

#6 Sago Street and Sago Lane

The Buddha Tooth Relic Chinatown Singapore Temple is bounded to the north by Sago Street and to the south by Sago Lane. Along these two streets, visitors will find a few more things to see in Chinatown Singapore.

Named for the Sago factories (flour from Rumbia Palm for cakes) that lined the streets in the mid-1800s, Sago Lane was formerly known as ‘Street of the Dead,’ as it was home to funeral parlors and hospice houses. In the early 1900s, Sago Street was a well-known street for prostitution, with 14 brothels on the street. Today, the streets are a tourist attraction.

Walk down these shop lined streets of Chinatown – and take note of the goods for sale. At 36 Sago Street, find the Laughing Buddha and rub his belly so that you will never go hungry again.

#7 Al-Abrar Mosque

The next stop on our Chinatown Singapore Free Walking Tour is the Al-Abrar Mosque. Designated a National Monument of Singapore in 1974, Al-Abrar Mosque (Masjid Al-Abrar) was established in 1827 and ranks as one of the first mosques in Singapore.

Hidden in plain sight between shops, the original mosque was a wooden thatched hut used by Tamil immigrants. Although the mosque that stands today is rather modest and not necessarily a tourist attraction, it attests to the long-standing diversity of Singapore.

#8 Thian Hock Keng Temple

Ranking as our favorite Chinatown temple, the Thian Hock Keng Temple, is dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess. Thick with incense and a peaceful escape from the chaotic street scene, it is one of the best temples in Chinatown Singapore to visit. The colorful temple is one of the oldest in Singapore, completed in 1842 and made of stone, tile, wood and not a single nail . Detailed carvings, many of dragons, decorate the traditional rooftops.

#9 Telok Ayer Street and Telok Ayer Park

Finish your Chinatown SG tour by continuing your walk down Telok Ayer Street to the park. 

Telok Ayer Street represents the very beginnings of Singapore Chinatown. As Chinese immigrants arrived in Singapore in the 1820s, Telok Ayer Street is where they lived (as well as many other minority immigrants). Many temples and houses of worship were built along the street, which, before land reclamation in the late 1800s, was fronted by the bay.

Some of the historic buildings found on this street include Thian Hock Keng Temple (1820s), Fuk Tak Chi Temple, now a museum (1824), Ying Fo Fui Kun Temple (1823), Nagor Durgha Shrine (1828-1830), Al-Abrar Mosque (1827) and Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church (1924). The small Telok Ayer Park features statues of the areas first immigrant residents. Use this link  for a Telok Ayer Map of sights.

This wraps up our Chinatown Singapore free tour! Below you will find a map of Chinatown Singapore attractions and more information – like where to eat and other nearby sights.

Where to Eat in Chinatown Singapore

One of the best things to do in Singapore Chinatown is eat. So, when you visit Chinatown Singapore, arrive hungry! You can even turn your Chinatown Tour in Singapore into a grazing feast.

In Singapore, food center hawker stalls are the place to eat. There are three food centers packed with hawker stalls in Chinatown: Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Food Street. 

With tightly packed stalls offering the best food in Chinatown Singapore, it’s difficult to choose which center to go to…and possibly even more difficult to know what food to order from which vendor. Don’t worry! We have a few tips to help guide you to the best Chinatown Hawker Stalls.

Pro Tip : We include these hawker stall locations on our map of Chinatown Singapore below!

Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Boasting more than 260 food stalls, the Chinatown Complex Food Center is the largest hawker center in the city and one of the top places to go in Chinatown Singapore. The maze of food stalls are located on the second level (so don’t be fooled by the ground floor sundry goods).

With so many food options, it’s difficult to point to just one stall recommendation, but the most popular is Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (#126) – which was awarded a Michelin Star. Another top choice is Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao dumplings (#135).

Maxwell Food Centre

Popular with both tourists and locals, there are more than 100 hawker stalls at Maxwell Food Centre. Many people visit Maxwell Food Centre to line up for a plate of Tian Tian Chicken Rice (which has been featured by the late Anthony Bourdain, Gordon Ramsay and Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Singapore). However, expect a really long line to get a plate of the Hainanese Chicken Rice that many claim is the best food Chinatown. 

If you don’t have the patience to stand in line, we recommend seeking out other fabulous food, by eating from vendors that are busy…but not really, really long lines. 

Chinatown Food Street 

Modernized with a high glass ceiling and improved ventilation, the pedestrian-only Chinatown Food Street is an ideal place to get a taste of Singapore. While there are not as many hawker stalls on this street as at the food centers, the occupants represent some of the absolute best hawker stalls in Singapore…all in one place. 

Guided Chinatown Singapore Street Food Tour

Guided Chinatown tours are not limited to history tours! Let a guide lead the way on a Chinatown Hawker Center Food Tour that includes both history and a taste of Singapore’s iconic district!

Where to Drink in Chinatown Singapore

Singapore Chinatown has an abundance of pubs and clubs for drinking both beer and cocktails. The two most popular streets for bars in Chinatown Singapore are Club Street (so aptly named) and Ann Siang.

For craft beer drinkers (like ourselves!), we recommend checking out a few great spots in Chinatown.

Smith Street Taps

Smith Street Taps (located at 335 Smith Street inside the Chinatown Complex Food Centre on the 2nd Floor, stall #62) is a unique and fun place to sample craft beer. The hawker stall craft beer bar offers 12 beers on tap (sometimes more!) – and you can grab bites to eat from food vendors.

Little Creatures Mohamed Ali Lane (CLOSED)

Little Creatures Brewing Singapore hails from Australia, but had found a secluded little nook in Chinatown. However, since they’ve closed up we suggest The Otherside (on Erskine Rd) and Welcome Ren Min (in the Maxwell Food Centre) for your craft beer fix in Chinatown SG!

Top Tip: For tips on cocktail bars and clubs, check out this list , which features the best places to drink and eat on Ann Siang Hill and Club Street.

Chinatown Singapore Events

Singapore Chinatown tourist attractions are even better during the district’s many festivals! 

One of our visits Singapore Chinatown just happened to coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival. The festival is celebrated with feasts, mooncakes and more lanterns. During the event, all of Chinatown is decorated with hanging lanterns of every size, shape and color, making the already colorful area even brighter and the energized crowds even more spirited!

Attractions near Singapore Chinatown

After completing our self-guided walking tour of Chinatown Singapore, consider moving on to these nearby Singapore attractions.

Historic Downtown Core

Looking for another free tour Singapore? We’ve got it covered with a fun Singapore history tour walk. Use our Self-Guided Downtown Singapore Walking Tour to lead the way!

The iconic attractions on Marina Bay can’t be missed when visiting Singapore! Check out all the top attractions by using our Self-Guided Walking Tour of Marina Bay .

The Pinnacle@Duxton Sky Garden

Completed in 2009, Pinnacle@Duxton is the tallest public housing project in Singapore, standing at nearly 512ft (156m). The 50th-floor observation deck, Sky Garden, is open to the public for a fee. The award-winning garden (along with the resident-only 26th floor garden) is the longest sky garden in the world.

Clarke Quay

Riverside refreshments can be found in the direction of Clarke Quay. The area is very popular with tourist and features themed restaurants (like Hooters) as well as the Brewerkz brewery.

Boat Quay is just as popular as Clarke Quay, but with a distinctly different vibe. The line of waterfront eateries, each with overly-enthusiastic staff attempting to lure you in, can be fun place to eat and drink in Singapore. Feel free to haggle with the hostess to agree on a price for food and/or drinks (along with the coveted waterside table, of course!).

More Singapore Tourist Attractions

Find more Singapore walks and top attractions in our 3-Day Singapore Itinerary . The trip plan is absolutely packed with the best things to do in the Singapore…even on a budget. Hopping over to Malaysia as well? Check out this KL Itinerary and our Guide To Johor Bahru !

Chinatown Singapore Map

Our map of Chinatown Singapore includes markers for all of the featured attractions – including food, drink and nearby sights.  Get it here !

Singapore Chinatown Google Map Route

Want step-by-step directions to our recommended SG Chinatown must-see attractions? Use this link to Google Maps for an interactive Singapore Chinatown Map of sights and walking directions.

Start planning your trip to Singapore ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

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Chinatown Walking Tour (By Monster Day Tours)

• Tour Listing

Free (Tips are appreciated)

Tour Duration

Tour Frequency

Thu & Sun: 09:30-12:00 Tue & Fri: 16:30-19:00

Starting & Ending Point

Chinatown MRT Station Exit A, Telok Ayer MRT

Major Stops

Pagoda Street, Sri Mariamman Temple, Chinatown Food Street, Chinatown Complex, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Club Street/ Ann Siang Hill, Thian Hock Keng Temple

Nearest MRT (Starting Point)

Telok Ayer MRT Station

Wheel Chair Friendly / Child Friendly

Join us on a Chinatown walking tour, and let your tour guide take you back in time with amazing stories of the early Chinese immigrants, as they braved many obstacles to build a life in Singapore. 

TOUR AGENCY DETAILS

Tour Agency

Monster Day Tours

Tour Agency Operating Hours

Daily: 09:00-18:00

+65 8749 7346

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San Francisco Chinatown Self-Guided Walking Tour

Melissa Zink / TripSavvy

San Francisco's Chinatown has more guided tour options than the local herbalist has ginseng roots. Many of them are informative and entertaining, but they control the schedule, and you have to plan around that. If you'd rather:

• Tour Chinatown when you want to
• Stay as long as you want at places of interest
• Skip the bits that bore you
• And do it all for free

This self-guided tour covers all the same sights to which tour guides will take you.

Print this page to take along and you're all set—and you can't beat the cost savings.

This walking tour takes you off the main streets into alleys and areas where you'll find some unique Chinatown sights. At a leisurely pace, it takes about 2 hours, including a stop for lunch. If you're a shopper, it may take a bit longer than that.

The total walking distance is 1.5 miles, and it's nearly flat.

Get Ready to Tour Chinatown

Chinatown is woefully short on public restrooms. Your best bet is to find one before you go in. There's a Starbucks at the corner of Sutter and Grant, just a block from the Chinatown gate.

Chinatown Gate to Portsmouth Square

Today's Chinatown was rebuilt after San Francisco's 1906 earthquake, and its architecture is an odd mix of Edwardian fundamentals and Chinese details. Starting from the Chinatown Gate on Bush Street, on Grant Avenue:

• Start at the Chinatown Gate: This 1970 addition to the Chinatown entrance marks the transition into Chinatown from Union Square. A pair of Chinese guardian lions is traditionally believed to provide protection. Called Shi in Chinese or "Foo Dogs" in the West, they're a common sight in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government office, and temples.
• Walking on Grant Avenue: Grant is especially touristy near the Chinatown gate. It's a good place for souvenir shopping, with several large shops offering t-shirts and other trinkets. Further up the street, you'll also find modern Asian items that are both stylish and easy on the pocketbook. This part of Grant is a good place to stop and look up. This isn't a ploy to make you look silly: a couple of interesting things are above eye level. Look around and you'll see that the street signs are written in both English and Chinese and the ornate streetlights (put up in 1925) are supported by golden dragons.
• Stop at St. Mary's Church: Grant at California. The granite stones used in this historic church's foundations came from China and its bricks came "around the Horn" of South America with the gold seekers. It was the first church built as a cathedral in California and for many years was one of San Francisco's most prominent buildings. Inside is a small display of photographs from the 1906 earthquake and fire, showing both how badly it was damaged and how closely the new structure resembles its predecessor.
• Walking: When you cross the cable car tracks at California Avenue, listen. Not only will it help you avoid an approaching car, you'll also hear the cables that move the cars humming beneath the street.
• Stop at the Wok Shop : 718 Grant Avenue. This long-time Chinatown shop sells an extensive selection of cleavers, woks, and chopsticks, all of which make great (and useful) souvenirs.
• Stop at Eastern Bakery : 720 Grant Avenue. Opened in 1924, Eastern is the United States' oldest Chinese bakery. Mooncakes are their specialty, filled with a light melon or rich-tasting lotus-seed paste.
• Walking: At Clay Street, turn right, then go left to enter one of San Francisco's original city parks.
• Stop at Portsmouth Square : One of three city parks set aside by San Francisco's first mayor, Portsmouth is Chinatown's social center, with residents using it as an extension of their homes, taking the kids there to play or meeting friends. You'll sometimes find men playing Chinese chess (also called elephant chess) and groups of women playing cards. Also in the park is the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial and a marker commemorating the first public school in California. The only public restroom on the tour route is in the park, but be warned—cleanliness can be an issue.
• Walking: Cross the park to Washington Street and turn left.

Portsmouth Square to Broadway

• Stop at the Old Telephone Exchange: (743 Washington) This lovely building is now the East West Bank, but it started out as the Chinese Telephone Exchange. Callers often asked for people by name only, thinking it rude to refer to a person by using a number, so the operators working here had to know each subscriber by name. With many subscribers having the same name, they also had to know everyone's address and occupation. And - they had to speak not only English but also five Chinese dialects. Today's building was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fire.
• Walking: At Grant Avenue, turn right—or take a shortcut through Wentworth Place to Washington Street.
• Chinatown Restaurant Row: Between Grant and Kearny Street on Washington are some of the best-rated restaurants in Chinatown.
• Walking: After looking around or having a bite to eat, return to Grant Avenue. This route bypasses one of Chinatown's best-rated tea shops, Red Blossom. If you want to stop in, turn left on Grant to get there. Otherwise, turn right at Grant and continue.
• To Buy a Unique Souvenir:  Talk to the folks outside the door at 924 Grant or enter through the nondescript lobby and you'll find a place to get one of Chinatown's most unusual souvenirs, a custom-made, carved stone stamp from Rainbow Sign and Art.
• Be Prepared for Game Birds: In the block between Pacific and Broadway on the right side of the street is a small shop called Ming Kee Game Birds. They sell birds used in Chinese cuisine, including a blue-skinned chicken. FYI: Several years ago, a lot of controversy arose over Chinatown shops selling live poultry and shop owners are still sensitive to gawkers and photographers.
• Stop at the Chinatown Mural: At the corner of Columbus Avenue and Broadway where Chinatown meets North Beach, you'll find a mural on the corner building. One side commemorates North Beach's Italian roots. The side facing Broadway is dedicated to San Francisco's Chinese heritage
• Walking: At Broadway, turn left. At Stockton, cross the street and turn left again, walking along Stockton.

Stockton Markets and Alleyways

• Explore the Chinese Markets: The next two blocks of Stockton are packed with markets. Some sell the same kinds of vegetables and groceries you'd find at a neighborhood store anywhere, but others sell fresh fish, Asian specialty vegetables, and foods. For fun people-watching, look for older Chinese women shopping, arguing over asparagus, wrangling over radishes or shaking an eggplant to see if it's firm.
• Walking: At Jackson Street, turn left, then turn right into Ross Alley (which is halfway to Grant)
• Stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory : (56 Ross Alley) It's not what you might expect of a factory, but more like a Wallace and Gromit invention gone awry. Some people think the staff rude, and they'll give about 30 seconds to look around before insisting you buy something, but it's worth a look and something you're not likely to see anywhere else. Bring cash if you want to buy some fresh fortune cookies and expect to pay to take a photo, too. 
• Stop at the Sam Bo Trading Company: (50 Ross Alley) This small shop sells Buddhist and Taoist religious items, Buddha statues, incense and paper goods burned in tribute to ancestors and the gods. A pack of handmade paper printed in gold purchased here makes an inexpensive, beautiful souvenir.
• Walking: At the end of Ross Alley, go right on Jackson and then left into Spofford.
• Explore Spofford Alley: There's not a lot to see in this short alley, but listen: it's home to numerous mahjong parlors and you can hear the tiles clicking as you pass, especially on weekends when you might also get a glimpse inside through an open door.
• Walking: At the end of Spofford, turn left and walk to Waverly Place. Turn around at Washington to walk the street's two-block length.
• Explore Waverly Place is often called the Street of the Painted Balconies, but it wasn't built for tourists and these days the paint is growing a bit faded. Walk along its two-block length and you'll find a dry cleaner, travel agency, employment agency two funeral businesses and two temples. Amy Tan fans may recall the name Waverly from "Joy Luck Club," and Dashiell Hammett's "Dead Yellow Women" is also set here.
• Stop at the Tien Hou Temple : (125 Waverly Place) The smell of temple incense is one of Chinatown's sensory treats, and you'll find plenty of it on the top floor at 125 Waverly Place, in a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven. After you climb the long stairway, you'll find a tiny, incense-filled room hung with red and gold lanterns, several shrines and a statue of the goddess in the back. They don't mind respectful visitors (but don't allow photographs). Admission is free, but I recommend making a small donation, just to be polite.
• Family Benevolent Associations: You'll see the offices for several of these associations on Waverly Place, including the Eng and Wong families. They began as social clubs to serve social and personal needs of Chinese workers and provide political and social support systems to newcomers. These days, they are mostly gathering places, particularly for older Chinese who live in Chinatown.
• Bing-Tong Kong Freemasons: During the early twentieth century, Bing-Tong Kong was one of San Francisco's most powerful Tongs, groups often compared to modern gangs. In the 1930s, it started using the name "Chinese Free Masons," but whether they are formally associated with that organization is unclear. This building appears briefly in the 1982 film Chan Is Missing , directed by Wayne Wang.
• Stop at the  Clarion Music Center (816 Sacramento Street) sells Chinese drums, cymbals, flutes, Tibetan singing bowls and many unusual instruments and is well worth a stop if you like that kind of thing. They are closed on Sundays.

The easiest way to get to many other parts of San Francisco from Chinatown is by cable car. Find everything you need to know about riding them in the San Francisco Cable Car Guide .

• If You're Done for the Day: Turn left at Sacramento Street and right onto Grant. Walk 3 blocks and you'll be back where you started.
• To Go to  Union Square : Turn right on Bush, left on Stockton and you'll be there in 3 blocks
• To See the  Ferry Building, Waterfront, Bay Bridge : Turn left on Grant to California and catch the cable car (the one going downhill)
• To Check Out Nob Hill: Turn left on Grant to California and get on the cable car (the one going uphill)
• To Go to  Fisherman's Wharf : Turn right on Sacramento and walk 2 blocks to catch the Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde cable car
• To Explore North Beach: Turn right at Sacramento Street and then right onto Stockton. It's about 6 blocks to the edge of North Beach from there

Apps for Your Chinatown Tour

Sutro Media's San Francisco Chinatown app provides a map and an A to Z listing of points of interest. The map is filled with detailed icons, but unfortunately, they overlap and are hard to read on a mobile phone screen. If you're the type who likes to wander but occasionally wants to know more about something, you may find it useful.

The free app City Walks provides minimal information and you'll have to pay for an upgrade to access their guided tours. It's a pricing strategy, this app rates only 2.5 stars out of 5, largely because of complaints that the free version has nothing to offer.

Time Shutter - San Francisco  is custom-made for history buffs and anyone who wonders what a place looked like long ago. Using their map- or list-based index, you can bring up historic photos of the place you're standing. Double-tap and they'll transform into modern-day views.

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The Perfect Day in Chinatown: Best Way to Visit in One Day

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: February 7, 2024

San Francisco's Chinatown offers a unique look into the interesting world of the Chinese Americans in the US. In this district, you get the chance to visit working temples, sample traditional Dim Sum and bargain for goods on Grant Avenue.

You can also learn more about the history of the Chinese immigrants to the US at the Chinese Historical Society and watch locals make fortune cookies.

Below, you will find what I consider "The Perfect Day in Chinatown". This self-guided walking tour will take you through all the highlights of this fascinating district at your own pace.

If you plan on visiting the Chinese Historical Society, then I recommend doing this tour Wednesday through Sunday. They close on both Monday and Tuesday.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

10 am: Start Your Walk at Portsmouth Square Park

This is the central meeting place for many locals in this neighborhood. Stroll through the park and watch the locals in action.

You will see everything from individuals doing Tai Chi to groups of men smoking and chatting the day away. 

10:15 am: Exit the Park on Washington Street

You will want to leave the park from the north west corner and head west on Washington Street. You will know you are headed the right way if you see a yellow building called "Sweet Mart" on your side of the street and another restaurant across the street from you call the Chinatown Restaurant.

Once you leave the park, cross the street to the side where you see the Chinatown Restaurant. From here, walk uphill about a half a block until you see the green and red East West Bank.

This building was the first Chinese telephone exchange in the US. The telephone exchange moved out many years ago and it is now home to the East West Bank. It features traditional architecture and will give you a small sample of the beautiful and colorful buildings throughout this neighborhood.

Walk back down the hill to Wentworth Place (it's more of an alley than a street) and take a left. As you stroll down this alley, take a look around for a behind the scenes look at local life in this district. Stop and admire the beautiful murals at the end of the block.

Walk one block to Jackson Street and take a look at the pharmacy (Wan Hua Co) on the corner of Wentworth Place and Jackson Street. This is the oldest pharmacy in SF's Chinatown and worth a small peak inside. If it's closed, you can still get a good feel for what's inside by taking a look at its front window.

From here, head across the street and up the hill just a few feet to Beckett Street. Enter it and continue down this small street (again, more like an alley than a street).

11 am: Admire the Ma Tsu Temple

As you walk down Beckett Street, you will see a building with red circular decorations out front (featured in the picture above). That is the Ma Tsu Temple. It is open daily from around 10 am to 3:30 pm.

When you arrive, step inside for an up-close look at this modern Buddhist and Taoist Temple.

You may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but this temple welcomes visitors. The woman that works here most of the time does not speak much English, so don't be offended if she is unable to answer your questions. 

Before your visit, make sure you look at my set of rules to follow when visiting any temple . They are easy rules to follow and show that you respect those using the temple for worship.

After you are done at the temple, step outside and take a close look at the two Lions protecting the front of the building. The one with the ball under its foot is male. The one with the baby under its foot is female.

As you walk around Chinatown, you will see that every entrance (including the Lion Gate on Grant Avenue) has both a male and female 'protecting' it.

12 pm: Sample a Fortune Cookie at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Your next stop is about two blocks away. Head back to Jackson Street and take a right (you will head slightly uphill). Cross Grant Street and look for Ross Alley. It's about a half block up from Grant Street.

Head down Ross Alley about a half a block until you reach the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. It's a small building, so don't walk too fast or you might just pass by it!

Even though this is a working factory, they welcome visitors. You can step  inside to see how the cookies are made and buy some for yourself or as gifts. They have a huge selection on sale right near those that are making the cookies. 

You might even be able to get a small sample before you buy! 

>> Click here for more pictures and what to expect during your visit .

Fun Guided Tours of Chinatown

If you want to explore this district, but don't want to do it on your own, here are a couple of tours to check out.

• All About Chinatown Walking Tour : Learn all about this district's history, interesting architecture and more. 
• Chinatown Food & Walking Tour : Sample local dishes and learn about the community of this district.

1 pm: Enjoy Dim Sum for Lunch

After you finish at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, head back to Jackson Street to sample traditional Dim Sum (Chinese small plates that are either fried or boiled).

The great thing about Dim Sum is that it is cheap, cheap, cheap! You can also try a variety of dishes.

One of my favorite places is Delicious Dim Sum at 752 Jackson Street. They are open every day except Wednesday (an alternative is Good Mong Kok Bakery at 1039 Stockton Street).

Even if you aren't that adventurous, you will still find something to eat at both of these places. However, keep in mind that the locals also eat here so you will see dishes such as chicken feet pass by during your lunch.

Don't worry though, if you are new, just ask them what each plate includes, and they will help you find something you will enjoy.

If both places are full, you can also check out some of my other favorite Dim Sum Restaurants in Chinatown .

2 pm: Learn the Local History at the Chinese Historical Society

After lunch, head south on Stockton Street to Clay Street. Head up the hill one and a half blocks to the Chinese Historical Society Museum . This small museum focuses on the history of the Chinese in America.

Here you can learn more about what it was like to cross the Pacific Ocean with the dreams of starting a new life in the US. They also have an amazing display that outlines the impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

This visit takes about an hour. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday, so make sure to head over Wednesday through Sunday between 11 am and 4 pm.

3:30 pm: Walk Through the Kong Chow Temple

Head back down to Stockton Street and take a right. The second building on your right (855 Stockton) houses the Kong Chow Temple. Take the stairs or the elevator to the top floor to find the temple.

This temple also welcomes visitors (most of the time -- sometimes they will kick people out if they are being disrespectful, trying to take pictures, or its too crowded).

It's an important temple as it displays the oldest Chinese artifacts in the US. This isn't its original location, but is full of historic gems. It's small and a little dusty but look past this in order to find this temple's real beauty.

If you want to visit another temple, head back to Clay Street, cross the street and take a right. You should be walking down the hill on Clay Street. About a block down, you will find Waverly Place. This is where you will find the Tin How Temple at 125 Waverly Place. It's cleaner than the Kong Chow Temple and showcases other historic artifacts. The only challenge with this one is that you have to climb four flights of stairs to reach it. There is no elevator in the building.

4:30 pm Shop for Bargains on Grant Avenue

It's best to end the day with a little shopping . In Chinatown, you will find a variety of things from jewelry to SF themed gifts. You will find small shops all over the district, but most people flock to Grant Avenue to find cheap, yet interesting goods.

You can find some other deals at the smaller shops off Grant Avenue, but these stores do not do a great job with their displays. This means you will have to dig around a little more.

Some of the owners of these local shops also gear their products toward locals, so may not speak as much English.

If you are a true bargain shopper or are more adventurous, then walk through the alleys just one block up from Grant Avenue to find some great deals (and don't forget to negotiate for the best price!).

After you finish shopping, exit Chinatown through the Lion Gate on Grant Avenue. Step across the street, which is where you will get the best photos of the entire gate.

The only challenge with this is that the street between you and the gate gets busy at times. However, it's a one-way street, so be patient and the perfect picture will appear within a few minutes.

How to Get to Portsmouth Square

Portsmouth Square is a block long park on the corner of Clay and Kearny streets. You can enter the park in several places.

From Union Square , your best option is to walk. Depending on your starting location, it should only take you about 10 to 15 minutes. You will end up walking through Chinatown to get here, so it will give you a nice overview of what you will see on today's adventure. 

From Fisherman's Wharf , you should take the 30 bus. Pick it up at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Francisco Streets. Confirm with the driver that you are heading in the right direction for Chinatown. Take this to the Stockton and Sacramento Street stop. From here, walk back one block to Clay Street and head down the hill two blocks to reach Portsmouth Square.

Guided Chinatown Walking Tours

If you want to learn even more about the history San Francisco's Chinatown, then I recommend joining a guided walking tour. Many of these visit some of the same places mentioned above. However, they offer you the chance to ask questions and get the full inside story on each place you visit.

Click here to learn more about each one . Some offer just a walking tour as others include either lunch or dinner.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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Self Guided Tour of Chinatown San Francisco

When stepping into San Francisco’s Chinatown, you step into a world of vibrant colors, sounds, sights, and smells that will immediately whisk you around the globe.

While there are several distinct Chinese neighborhoods in San Francisco, the oldest and largest Chinatown lies in the heart of downtown. On this self-guided tour of Chinatown, you’ll visit sights with a history dating back to the days of the early explorers, see unique and beautiful views of the city, and be immersed in a culture so intertwined in San Francisco’s history that you just can’t miss it!

Click the map to enlarge or to download to a smartphone.

You can also download San Francisco Chinatown Self Guided Tour as a pdf.

Why not join one of our guided tours of Chinatown ?  

Also, if you are considering purchasing a hop-on, hop-off Big Bus ticket , their buses makes stops in Chinatown and your ticket will include a free Chinatown walking tour.

For more money-saving ideas for your time in San Francisco, check out which tourist discount pass is best .

Or, check out a video of a walkthrough Chinatown, and see many of the sights that you'll be visiting on your own trip!

BRIEF HISTORY OF CHINATOWN

One of the largest concentrated Chinese populations outside of China, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and the largest outside of mainland China.

The earliest Chinese immigrants to the Bay Area came in the 1840s, just before the Gold Rush.

Some of those early Chinese immigrants began referring to San Francisco as “Gold Mountain,”.

And just as fortune seekers hurried west across the country to hunt gold, so too did Chinese immigrants come into the Bay seeking new lives.

As one of the most accessible mainland North American ports, San Francisco’s Chinese population grew steadily to become what it is today.

Now, as you walk through the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, you’ll feel as if you’d stepped off a plane and landed in Hong Kong.

If it weren’t for the towering Transamerica Building to the east or views of Coit Tower farther north, you might forget that you’re in San Francisco at all.

While taking this tour, be sure to take some time to look in the many different shops along the way. We’d run out of space if we tried to list them all, but you can find practically anything in Chinatown.

We begin this walking tour at the iconic Chinatown Dragon Gate, the entry to Chinatown, and complete it farther north along Grant Ave., where Chinatown and North Beach intersect.

Heads up: This being San Francisco, you will have a few hills to climb. Don’t be too concerned, most uphill sections are fairly short or broken up with stops.

Begin the tour at the Dragon Gate, located at the intersection of Grant Ave. and Bush St.

Stop 1 - Dragon Gate 

One of the most photographed sights in San Francisco, the Dragon Gate officially marks your entrance into Chinatown.

Though the Chinese community began creating Chinatown as we know it in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake, the official entrance to the neighborhood wasn’t marked until 1970.

Chinatown representatives eagerly pushed for a ceremonial archway, a common entrance to most Chinese villages, in order to show how similar San Francisco’s Chinatown was to a traditional Chinese village.

Designed by Clayton Lee, a Chinese American architect, the Dragon Gate is one of the most spectacular and authentic in any American Chinatown.

Built mainly in Taiwan and covered in beautiful Taiwanese tiles, the Dragon Gate stands as a beacon welcoming visitors under its archways.

Be wary of which archway you pass under, though! The two side passageways are for the common people, while the larger center passage is reserved for esteemed dignitaries and important citizens… and delivery trucks.

As you walk past the Dragon Gate, check out the dragons standing guard on each side - it’s said that they’re busy keeping evil spirits out.

Stop 2 - Grant Avenue

Formerly called Dupont St., Grant Avenue was once the center of San Francisco’s red-light district.

Following the vast destruction of the 1906 earthquake, Chinatown took a firm hold of the area and never looked back.

To boost tourism in the neighborhood, representatives began encouraging the use of traditional Chinese designs and architecture, much of which you will see as you walk along Chinatown’s “Main Street,” Grant Ave.

Stop 3 - St. Mary’s Square

This may be one of the calmest locations in Chinatown, so relish it while you can.

Occasionally occupied by tai chi groups, St. Mary’s Square is prime real estate that’s very existence is continually in question.

Located on the fringes of both Chinatown and the Financial District, it is not as busy as Portsmouth Square (a later stop).

Various businesses have attempted to purchase the land for office buildings, but recent rebuffs from Chinese cultural groups almost ensure that it will remain open green space.

Though the area is fairly calm now, during San Francisco’s rough and tumble Gold Rush days, the square housed some of San Francisco’s most notorious houses of prostitution.

The area changed drastically in 1906 when the houses were destroyed in the fires caused by the great earthquake.

Following their destruction, city officials decided to put a park in their place. The park is named for Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, located across California St.

Stop 4 - San Francisco Chinese American War Memorial

In St. Mary’s Square, you will see two important memorials.

First, on the metal fence near the center of the square is the San Francisco Chinese American War Memorial plaque dedicated to those Chinese Americans who served and gave their lives for the United States during World Wars I and II.

The plaque lists the names of those killed and shows the emblems of the different branches of the military represented by Chinese Americans.

The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars seals are at the bottom of the plaque.

Stop 5 - Statue of Sun Yat-sen

The other memorial in St. Mary’s Square is a Benny Bufano statue of Sun Yat-sen, erected in 1937.

Sun, an exiled anti-imperialist known to many as the “Father of Modern China,” worked fervently through the early 1900s to overthrow the Qing dynasty, only to see his efforts rewarded with exile from his home country.

He came to San Francisco and, it is said, often relaxed in St. Mary’s Square.

Unfortunately, his life in San Francisco was not completely restful; agents of the Qing dynasty were constantly searching for him, and he was often in hiding.

Sun Yat-sen’s famous words, “The world is for all, all is for the people,” are inscribed in traditional Chinese characters on the Chinatown Dragon Gate.

Benny Bufano, the sculptor of Sun’s statue, was born in Italy but lived in San Francisco for much of his life. His works can be seen throughout the city.

Stop 6 - California St. Cable Car Line

The cable car is one of San Francisco’s most iconic sights, and the California St. line is the oldest cable car line in the country.

The San Francisco cable car, invented by Andrew Hallidie in 1873, became one of San Francisco’s most important modes of transportation for the next forty years.

Now, the California St. line is only one of three remaining cable car lines in San Francisco.

This particular line was put in by none other than Leland Stanford (sound familiar?).

Stanford, whose mansion was just up the street on Nob Hill, made a vast fortune putting in railway lines around the country.

He remains one of the Bay Area’s most controversial figures, as the Chinese laborers who laid the rails for his business were vastly underpaid and extremely overworked.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the San Francisco cable car, visit the Cable Car Museum on the corner of Mason St. and Washington St.

You can also access all riding information on the San Francisco Cable Car website here: https://freetoursbyfoot.com/cable-cars-san-francisco/

Stop 7 - Old St. Mary’s Cathedral 

One of the longest standing structures in San Francisco (1853), Old St. Mary’s Cathedral was once the tallest building in the city.

St. Mary’s was originally built to be the seat of the Catholic Church in San Francisco.

Commissioned by San Francisco Bishop Joseph Alemany of Spain and designed by architects William Craine and Thomas England, the cathedral was designed to replicate a gothic church in Alemany’s hometown of Vich, Spain.

The cathedral was dedicated during Christmas Midnight Mass in 1854 and continually grew from that point on.

By 1881, however, it was decided that the cathedral would no longer remain in the declining neighborhood.

The structure remained and was eventually put under the charge of a Paulist order of priests (and the new St. Mary’s Cathedral was later built on Geary St.).

The Paulists had long run a Chinese Mission and brought this to St. Mary’s, thus making it an integral part of Chinatown. This same order of priests continues to run the church today.

The church went on to withstand both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes, and three of the walls are original. You are welcome to go quietly inside the church, even while Mass is going on, as there is a designated historical section in the back of the church.

Before you go inside, take a look below the central clock. The words read, “Son, Observe the Time and Fly from Evil. Ecc. 4:23.”

Some believe those words were put there to turn men away from the brothels located directly across the street.

Stop 8  - Sing Chong Building 

The oldest piece of Chinese architecture in San Francisco (1807), this building was actually designed by a Scottish architect.

Thomas Patterson Ross, an Edinburgh native, was a major architect in San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake and most well known for the Alcazar Theater he designed on Geary St.

His design for Sing Chong, as well as the neighboring Sing Fat building across the street, represented a shift in post-earthquake San Francisco.

Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans pushed to create a “city within a city.”

Sing Chong proprietor (and First Bank of Canton founder) Look Tin Eli recommended the pagoda style architecture to entice tourists into Chinatown.

Stop 9 - Nam Kue School

A small Chinese-style building gated and drawn back from the street, Nam Kue School first opened its doors in March 1920, though the idea for it came about a year prior.

At the time, a group of prominent Chinese-Americans in San Francisco decided something must be done to preserve Chinese culture with future generations, so this and several other schools opened for American-born Chinese children.

Taught history, culture, and language, the Nam Kue School continues to welcome children through its doors.

Up until 2005, the school flew the flag of the Kuomintang, also known as the Chinese National Party.

The Kuomintang, started by Sun Yat-sen, opposed both the Qing dynasty and the emerging presence of communism in China.

In 2005, because of better relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, the Kuomintang was replaced with a People’s Republic flag.

Just next to Nam Kue School is Kee Photo. Take a look at all the photos on their front window. The owner, Mr. Kee, has photographs of himself with celebrities and entrepreneurs on display.

Look closely and you’ll see former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, and many more.

If you happen to need passport photos, apparently Mr. Kee is quite cheap and efficient with those.

Head back up to Grant Avenue and make a right turn onto it. Continue walking along Grant until you reach Commercial St. On the Commercial St. side of the Eastern Bakery, there is a wall of murals.

In 2010, British street artist Banksy left his mark with a ‘Peaceful Hearts’ Doctor image on the wall. Though there were efforts to preserve the work, it was eventually sprayed over. The murals on this wall are ever-changing, so take a look and enjoy.

Stop 10 - Clay Street Murals

On the left side of the street (on the side of Asian Image) is a beautiful map/mural/calendar.

Not only does it show the upcoming years and corresponding animals from the Chinese calendar, but also a map of Chinatown.

On the right side of the street is a darker mural, entitled Chinatown 1889.

Painted to capture the difficult history of the Chinese in San Francisco, the first thing you may note is that the figures in the mural are primarily male.

Up until the turn of the century, the majority of Chinese immigrants were young men coming to America for work.

From the early 1880s through the beginning of World War II, Chinese immigrants had to face the realities of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

The goal of the act was to keep the number of Chinese immigrants to the city down, though by World War II, with China as an ally, the act was repealed.

In the mural, you may also see a man holding a card with a red L on it.

This referred to the lottery system within Chinatown; it was not a lottery for money, but for work and housing.

Stop 11 - Portsmouth Square

Named for Captain John B. Montgomery’s ship, the USS Portsmouth, this is one of the oldest established areas in San Francisco.

Captain Montgomery (whose namesake street is only a few blocks away) rode into the San Francisco Bay in 1846 to officially seize Yerba Buena (San Francisco’s former name) for the United States.

He then planted an American flag in this public area and soon after, Portsmouth Square became one of the most important in the growing city.

This is where the discovery of gold was first announced in 1848.

The first city hall and public school sprang up in this square, and it thrived as the center of the city for much of the post-Gold Rush period.

Eventually, as the city shifted its focus toward the Market St. area, City Hall was replaced closer to its present location.

With the shift toward Market St., Chinatown began expanding into Portsmouth Square.

Now, the sight of the first American flag is considered the very heart of Chinatown. Most frequented by a more elderly crowd, you’ll see separate groups of men and women sitting on cardboard boxes and crates playing cards or the traditional game of mahjong.

Bustling with activity, take some time to wander around the square and enjoy.

There remains a plaque commemorating John B. Montgomery’s placement of the American flag, as well as another commemorating the first public school.

There is also a monument dedicated to author Robert Louis Stevenson, who is said to have frequented Portsmouth Square while he was in San Francisco.

Stop 12 - Goddess of Democracy Statue

A 10ft. replica of a 33ft. statue, this lady was one of the lasting images of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

Designed by a group of art students, the original statue was placed in Tiananmen Square in late May 1989.

Placed directly across from a portrait of Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong, the statue was torn down by Communist officials only five days after it was assembled.

Some say the statue was modeled after the Statue of Liberty. During the 2014 Hong Kong “Umbrella Revolution,” a pink umbrella was attached to the Goddess’s flame in solidarity with protestors.

The umbrella was removed less than a day later. The bronze replica in Portsmouth Square was designed by Thomas Marsh and dedicated in 1994.

Look closely at the statue for names of the various volunteers carved on the back.

For a more in-depth look at the Goddess of Democracy, check out this article from the New York Times Sinosphere blog.

Stop 13 - Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco

You are welcome to enter the Chinese Culture Center to appreciate many different art projects, cultural workshops, and educational information.

The Chinese Culture Center, in existence since 1965, works to bring intercultural understanding to the city and its visitors.

For full information on visiting and present exhibits, visit the CCC website here .

Stop 14 - Buddhas Universal Church

The largest Buddhist church in the United States, this building (a former nightclub and gambling house) has kept its doors open to followers and visitors since the early 1960s when it opened.

Though the exterior is not exactly impressive, take a tour inside to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this church.

For a complete history, we feel it best to read the church’s own website here .

Stop 15 - East West Bank

This ornate building was once the home of the Chinese Telephone Exchange.

The Exchange, which began small switchboard operations back in 1891, expanded and grew in this location until the 1906 earthquake destroyed it.

Following the destruction of the earthquake, the Exchange was rebuilt in a decorative Chinese-style building.

It remained there until 1949 when switchboard operations were no longer necessary.

The building was eventually bought by the Bank of Canton in 1960 and has remained its since.

Stop 16 - Tin How Temple

The oldest established Chinese temple community in the United States, the current location of the Tin How Temple postdates the 1906 earthquake.

The original Tin How Temple was opened in 1852 in honor of the goddess Mazu.

The first Chinese immigrants gave thanks to Mazu, Goddess of the Sea, for their safe passage across the Pacific to their new home.

To reach the temple, you’ll have to climb about three flights of stairs to the top floor of the building (there is no elevator access). When you reach the top floor, you’ll enter a vibrant and aromatic vermilion room.

Though you are not allowed to take photographs, you’ll leave with lasting images of the various shrines, red lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and stunning views of the Transamerica Building and Coit Tower from the balcony.

The Tin Temple is open to the public from 9am to 5pm daily. It is still an active temple.

You can leave a donation at the entrance if you are so inclined, and you can also get your fortune read inside.

Stop 17 - Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

The last of its kind, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a Chinatown must. Opened in 1962, it boasts some of the freshest fortune cookies in town.

The women who hand-stuff the cookies make almost 20,000 on a daily basis. Take a look inside (for free), snap some pics (for $0.50), and grab a sample cookie on your way out.

The tiny “factory” can get very busy, especially when tour groups shuffle in and out, but it is worth the wait to look inside.

For more information on the history of the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and the invention of the fortune cookie, visit our blog post here .

Stop 18 - Jun Hu’s Barber Shop

One of Chinatown’s most beloved celebrities runs this little hole-in-the-wall barbershop.

Located just next to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, the 80-something-year-old Jun Hu appeared in the opening credits of the Will Smith’s 2006 film “Pursuit of Happyness.”

It’s generally agreed that Mr. Hu did cut Paul McCartney’s hair, and his legend fits his charming demeanor.

If you visit from around 9am through noon, you’ll typically find Mr. Hu sitting on a stool outside his shop sporting a white coat and Santa hat; if you’re lucky, he may be playing his erhu (a traditional Chinese instrument).

Jun Hu is also an accomplished violinist.

Stop 19 - Golden Gate Bakery

By and large one of the most popular bakeries in Chinatown, when it’s open, the Golden Gate Bakery typically has a line out the door and down the street.

While there are some tourists who make up that cue, most of those waiting are eager locals.

The bakery, famed for its egg custard tarts, keeps its own hours. That means it may be closed when you show up, or it may be open.

Because people are so eager to know when it is open, there is a Facebook page ( Is the Golden Gate Bakery Open Today? ) dedicated to tracking its daily hours of operation.

Continue walking down Grant Ave. to the intersection of Grant/Broadway/Columbus. Ahead of you is the beginning of North Beach. Across the street you’ll see a mural that wraps around the entire building.

The part you are facing depicts scenes from Chinatown, while the opposite side shows the Jazz Era in North Beach.

From here, you can head into North Beach or, if you would like to explore more of Chinatown, we recommend making a left on Broadway.

Walk up to Stockton St. and make a left. On Stockton, you will see the Chinatown beyond the tour books. For the next few blocks, you will walk past fish markets, spice shops, vegetable stands, and more.

The street will be crowded, especially on weekends, as people shop and bargain.

Thank you for joining us on this self-guided tour of Chinatown in San Francisco. We hope you enjoyed it!

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Chicago Chinatown Tour

Chinatown Tours

Experience chinatown with guided tours from chicago chinese cultural institute.

90-min Walking Tour

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Join our History and Cultural Walking Tour of Chinatown on every weekend

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On select dates this summer, join us for a 3-hour sumptous food tour.

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Book a private group tour with us. Multiple tour guides available for large groups.

Student Field Trips

K-12 students groups enjoy a special discounted rate for their field trips.

Chinese Cultural Workshops

Dumpling Making

Hands-on experience to learn how to make Chinese dumplings. Great fun for youth and adults.

Kite Coloring

China invented kites in ancient time. Hear the stories and create your own design on blank silk kites

Paper cutting

Experience the wonder you can create with simply a piece of paper and a pair of scissors.

Martial Arts Exercises

Learn the basics of Taichi with a master

Chinatown—a community steeped in a rich culture and designed to honor a Chinese heritage.

Originally located near the intersection of alameda and cesar chavez avenue, “old chinatown” was forced to move north (due to city corruption and the building of union station) into an area that was then known as little italy. in the new chinatown, residents set out to build a neighborhood that would honor their heritage—utilizing architecture and design to reflect the chinese-american culture that created it. today, chinatown retains that vision, embodying the history, culture, customs, arts, and faiths of those with roots in asia and beyond, including italy, france, and croatia, among others..

Angels Walk Chinatown will take you past temples with golden altars, bustling shops filled with Chines herbs, goods, and lucky bamboo, and many Chinese eateries and businesses. Explore iconic Central Plaza with its famous East Gate entrance; enjoy a pastry from the world-famous Phoenix Bakery; see where Bruce Lee once had a martial arts studio; and stroll past an impressive collection of public art such as Alberto Biasi’s 1970 abstract sculpture “The Immigrants.”

Please Note: Printed guidebooks are no longer available for this walk. Please see PDF downloads below.

This walk was completed in 2003.

Distance & Average Completion Time ›

*additional time may be required for optional “side strolls” and/or “farther afield” sites., pdf downloads ›.

*Sample of historic stanchion panel

Google Map ›

BUNKER HILL / HISTORIC CORE

Walk highlights ›.

How to spend a day in Honolulu's Chinatown

Jun 24, 2024 • 5 min read

Spend a day in Chinatown, Honolulu, with our guide © Theodore Trimmer / Shutterstock

One of Honolulu ’s oldest neighborhoods, Chinatown is a must-see. Endlessly strollable, discoveries abound in its narrow streets of 19th-century buildings and markets buzz with activity by day. Don’t miss top restaurants, hole-in-the-wall kitchens, dim-sum palaces and family-run stalls, and save time for the art galleries and trendy shops. Buy a lei while you're here.

Chinatown’s location is no accident. Near Honolulu’s busy trading port, enterprises selling goods to city folks and visiting seamen sprang up in the 1820s. Many of the shops were established by Chinese laborers who had completed their sugarcane plantation contracts. Some opened raucous bars catering to sailors. Though the most successful families have long since moved away, new immigrants, mostly from Southeast Asia, keep Chinatown vibrant. The neighborhood’s heritage is on explosive display every Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February) when the staccato pop of firecrackers echoes off the old brick facades. Festivities include a parade with lion dances, with red-colored decorations everywhere.

Before you go...

To make the most of your time in Honolulu's Chinatown, we recommend a little planning ahead of time. If you’re wanting to take a guided tour or looking forward to dinner or cocktails at one of the swankier establishments, be sure to make reservations in advance. 

In the morning...

Get dim sum then stroll the gardens.

Get to Mei Sum , a no-nonsense corner stop that cranks out dim sum, top-notch little plates and Chinese mains, when it opens at 8am. Then head to Foster Botanical Garden where the tropical plants you’ve only ever read about can be spotted in all their glory. Among its rarest specimens are the Hawaiian loulu palm and the East African Gigasiphon macrosiphon, both thought to be extinct in the wild. Several of the towering trees are the largest of their kind in the USA . 

The self-guided tour is excellent and celebrates plants and trees found across Hawaii . Oddities include the cannonball tree, the sausage tree and the double coconut palm capable of producing a 50lb nut. Follow your nose past fragrant vanilla vines and cinnamon trees in the spice and herb gardens, then pick your way among the poisonous and dye plants. Don’t miss the blooming orchids or the elegant – and appropriately named – royal palms.

Take a guided tour

Local volunteers with family ties to the community run the Hawaiʻi Heritage Center , a crowded gallery with changing exhibitions about Oʻahu’s Chinese, Japanese and other ethnic communities. It runs excellent Chinatown tours Wednesday and Friday mornings. Book ahead. 

Professional architects lead Chinatown walking tours on some Saturday mornings, sponsored by AIA (American Institute of Architects). The tours deconstruct Honolulu’s most historic neighborhood and its buildings. AIA also sells superb walking guides at its downtown office.

For lunch, go to the market

After your tour of the botanic garden head to Kekaulike Market and the adjoining Maunakea Marketplace for a wander and lunch. It's about a 13-minute walk down Maunakea St from the botanic garden. 

Chinatown revolves around its markets and food shops. Noodle factories, pastry shops and stalls line the narrow sidewalks, crowded with cart-pulling elders and errand-running families. In these busy warrens, you’ll see the range of O‘ahu ’s bounty from the sea and the land. 

Stalls in Kekaulike Market sell whole fish, dry goods, prepared foods and Hawaii’s plethora of produce. Vendors hawk fruit and vegetables from displays on the pedestrianized street. The Maunakea Marketplace hosts popular food stalls, including the standout Maguro Brothers . Wind your way to this little stall in the back where everything sparkles, especially the fish. For lunch, sashimi comes in many forms atop rice bowls, or opt for the perfectly grilled garlic ahi or teriyaki salmon. 

In the afternoon...

Shop for leis.

Wearing lei dates back to the Polynesians , who wore garlands of everyday objects such as flowers and feathers for status, honor and beauty. The tradition of giving lei to visitors to Hawaii dates to the 19th-century ships that first brought tourists.

A few traditional lei-makers in Chinatown are still going strong. At the landmark Cindy’s Lei Shoppe , you can watch craftspeople create flower lei of orchids, plumeria, twining maile, lantern ʻilima (flowering ground cover) and ginger for all occasions (from $10). Several other lei shops clustered nearby will also pack lei for you to carry back home. Tina’s Lei Shop is another good choice. Why not succumb to the gentle caress of the flower petals on your skin while the fragrant floral scent envelops you? 

Make a stop at the bookstore

Honolulu’s best bookshop, Skull-Face Books & Vinyl has outlandish decor and walls lined with posters for punk shows and surf contests. The offerings are deep in noir, grunge lifestyle, sci-fi, pop culture and history. 

Have a cocktail or afternoon tea

The retro gem Tea at 1024 has a huge selection of teas and serves cutsey sandwiches, scones and cakes in the afternoon. If a cocktail is more your late-afternoon vibe, try Manifest . Its lofty space is filled with provocative decor and functions as a serene coffee shop in the afternoon and a cocktail bar come evening. Finally, for a little more class make a reservation for EP Bar . The mixologists know their way around Japanese whiskey, which they mix into incredible cocktails while spinning great tunes from the huge vinyl collection.

Enjoy a delicious dinner

Book ahead for Duc’s Bistro , a swank French-Vietnamese culinary oasis serving sophisticated fare. If Korean is more to your taste, order a bibimbap from O’Kims and sit in the garden. Finally, the crowded (think elbow to elbow) Lucky Belly crafts hot and spicy Asian-fusion bites and mains with artisanal cocktails to wash it down. 

For a cheaper alternative, head to Pho To-Chau . This Vietnamese institution serves pho and is always packed, so you’ll have to queue under the battered sign hanging outside. 

Head to N Hotel St for bars, clubs and nightlife

Long the center of Honolulu’s liveliest nightlife, Chinatown’s edgy bar and club scene revolves around N Hotel St. The svelte cocktail lounge NextDoor is a brick-walled performance space that’s drawn the likes of Shwayze and DJs of Diplo’s caliber. It books top local talent such as the jam band Backset. DJs spin tunes until 2am many nights; other nights, there’s burlesque, performance art and more. 

Right above the low-key dive Hank’s Cafe, Dragon Upstairs is a hideaway with a sedate vibe and stylized masks on the walls. It hosts a rotating lineup of jazz, blues and folk. Try the specialty drink: the pineapple upside-down cake. Just east, Scarlet Honolulu is a great LGBTIQ+ club.

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• Guided tour

Kitai-Gorod (Chinatown): The booming trade corner of Moscow

• Description
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Kitai-Gorod (Chinatown) is recognisable and unique, permeated with the spirit of its five centuries of existence, each of which has left its mark on the area’s history. Despite such a colourful name, Chinatown has nothing to do with the huge country in East Asia. Initially, merchants and artisans settled here, later they were superseded by the clergy and boyars, but the district was still considered to be the commercial centre of the capital. The booming trade found here not only went in the Upper and Middle trade rows, but also on Red Square, where Moscow’s Chinatown originates. Here, every stone is a mute witness of many great historical events. We invite you to spend two hours delving into the fascinating past of Chinatown!

During the tour you will:

• Hear a lot of fascinating stories about the lives of representatives from a variety of classes - rich merchants and small-time artisans, noblemen, monks and clergymen, who once loved this area of ​​
• Find out where Moscow’s first printing house was located, why at the first, the printers were badly treated by the people, considering them sorcerers, and to what tricks the merchants resorted to, when attempting to sell their goods.
• Follow the routes of the hapless high-rollers - from the places of entertainment to the debt pit, all located in the same place.

Chinatown is not just a historical district of Moscow. This is part of the history of the capital set in stone, and although there are only a few fragments left from the famous Kitai-Gorod wall today, one can safely say that without Chinatown there is no Moscow.

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Meeting point We'll pick you up at your hotel

Birzhevaya square

Old Merchant Court

Old English Court

Chambers of the Romanov Boyars

Trinity church at Nikitniki

Walls of Kitay-Gorod

End of the tour

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• Excursion Kitai-Gorod (Chinatown): The booming trade corner of Moscow
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Robert Towne, Writer of ‘Chinatown,’ Dies at 89

By Rick Schultz

Rick Schultz

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Writer-director Robert Towne , an Oscar winner for his original script for “ Chinatown ” and an acknowledged master of the art of screenwriting, has died. He was 89.

Towne died Monday at his home in Los Angeles, publicist Carrie McClure said in a statement. 

During a long career that began in the 1960s, when he went to work as an actor and writer for B-movie director Roger Corman, Towne became one of the most sought-after script doctors in movie history, called on time and again to solve structural problems and create great moments for other people’s films.

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Hired as a “special consultant” by Warren Beatty for 1967’s “Bonnie and Clyde,” Towne restructured the picture to dramatize the outlaws’ impending doom. He also turned an inert family reunion scene with Beatty and Faye Dunaway into one of the picture’s emotional high points. Clyde’s charming bravado falls flat when Bonnie’s mother responds, “You try to live three miles from me and you won’t live long, honey.”

Director Arthur Penn was delighted with Towne’s work. “It helped Warren play the scene, and it certainly helped Faye and the mother,” Penn said.

Though most of Towne’s script doctoring went uncredited — for example, in “The Parallax View” (1974), “Marathon Man” (1976), “The Missouri Breaks” (1976) and “Heaven Can Wait” (1978) — he received a rare honor in 1973 when “The Godfather” director Francis Ford Coppola thanked him in his Oscar acceptance speech for scripting the touching and pivotal Pacino-Brando garden scene — a scene not in Mario Puzo’s book.

But it was Towne’s work on “Bonnie and Clyde” that gave him a shot at “The Last Detail,” adapted from a Darryl Ponicsan novel about two Navy “lifers” escorting a young man accused of petty theft to jail. Written for Jack Nicholson, Towne’s expletive-filled script captured sailors as they really spoke. When Columbia execs balked, Nicholson defended him.

Ironically, Towne battled with Roman Polanski over the director’s dark finale to “Chinatown,” a noir detective story portraying the corruption behind the forming of modern-day Los Angeles. In Polanski’s ending, the Dunaway character is killed. Years later, Towne said: “I felt it was too melodramatic to end it his way, but I was wrong, and he was right.”

The film, also written for Nicholson, secured the actor’s place in the pantheon of great movie stars.

Most of “Chinatown’s” locations were chosen by Towne, who grew up around the port city of San Pedro. “It was a total melting pot,” Towne recalled. “I was the only Jew on the block.”

Towne was born Robert Bertram Schwartz on Nov. 23, 1934. His father, Lou, who ran a ladies clothing store called the Towne Smart Shop, changed the family name. Towne wrote for many of the major stars of his day, including Nicholson, Beatty, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson and Tom Cruise. He did uncredited work for Polanski on the Ford vehicle “Frantic” (1988). For Cruise, he did “Days of Thunder” (1990), “The Firm” (1993), “Mission: Impossible” (1996) and “Mission: Impossible II” (2000).

For Beatty he contributed a key line of dialogue for the romantic reunion scene in the actor-director’s “Reds.” He shared the writing credit with Beatty on “Shampoo.” The first draft was Towne’s and it was he who came up with the key notion of making Beatty’s womanizing character a hairdresser. He attributed his extraordinary ability to write for stars to having a good ear. “I learned to listen to other actors’ cadences,” he said, adding that each had his own unique speech patterns.

Towne began as an actor for Corman in 1960’s “The Last Woman on Earth,” which he also wrote. Another writing highlight from his years with Corman was 1964’s “The Tomb of Ligeia,” based on the Poe tale.

In 1964, Towne wrote “The Dove Affair” episode of “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” Between 1962 and 1964, he wrote for “The Lloyd Bridges Show” and “The Richard Boone Show.” He also wrote “The Chameleon” episode of “The Outer Limits” that starred Robert Duvall.

Towne continued to appear onscreen occasionally, essaying his most serious role in the Nicholson-helmed 1972 drama “Drive, He Said,” in which he played the favorite teacher of Nicholson’s character.

Towne’s directing efforts were often praised but fared less well at the box office than the films he penned. Pauline Kael called “Personal Best,” his 1982 directorial debut about Olympic hopefuls, “a very smart and super-subtle movie, in which the authenticity of the details draws us in.”

In 2006, Towne adapted and directed John Fante’s novel “Ask the Dust.” A romantic period piece set in the Bunker Hill section of Los Angeles, “Dust” starred Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek but failed at the box office.

Towne’s returned to “Chinatown” with the long-gestating sequel “The Two Jakes,” on which he was ultimately replaced by Nicholson as director. The film failed both critically and at the box office. He also endured other self-inflicted travails around that time, including a costly divorce and studio battles over “Personal Best.” He was forced to sell the rights to his script for 1984’s “Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes” to Warner Bros. “That was as unbearable as a professional loss ever gets,” Towne said in a 1988 interview. “It was going to be the one great movie I’d done in my life.” Towne gave his dog, P.H. Vazak, screen credit. It was the first dog ever nominated in the best adapted screenplay Oscar category.

But Towne had already done the great movie in his life. “Chinatown” is often cited as one of the best films ever made and was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in 1991.

Towne said a really good screenplay “reads like it’s describing a movie already made.” Reflecting on his recurring occupation as a script doctor, Towne said he found it revitalizing. “You learn things from other people,” he said. “All scripts are rewritten. The only question is whether it is rewritten well or badly. On the whole, it’s better to have a reputation for fixing things.”

In 2013, Towne served as a consulting producer on the final season of AMC’s esteemed series “Mad Men.” In 2006, Towne was the subject of artist Sarah Morris’ film “Robert Towne.”

Prior to his death, Towne had collaborated with David Fincher on a “Chinatown” prequel series for Netflix, which would explore the police days of Jack Nicholson’s character Jake Gittes. In an interview with  Variety  one month before his death, Towne confirmed that all episodes of the project had been written. 

Towne received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degrees from the American Film Institute in June 2014. He is survived by two daughters: Katherine, from his marriage to Julie Payne, and Chiara, from a second marriage to Luisa Gaule.

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College of Law

Email: [email protected]

Web: College of Law

Physical Address: Menard 101 711 S. Rayburn Drive

Mailing Address: College of Law University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 2321 Moscow, ID 83844-2321 Main Office: 208-885-2255 Admissions: 208-885-2300 Legal Clinic: 208-885-6541 Office of the Dean: 208-364-4620

Fax: 208-885-5709

Physical Address: 501 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Mailing Address: 501 W Front St, Boise, ID 83702

Phone: 208-885-2255

Fax: 208-334-2176

Tribal Law Clinic

The Tribal Law Clinic provides free legal services to Tribal Citizens, Tribal Governments and Tribal Agencies, and non-profits led by Tribal Citizens. In its first year, the Clinic will primarily serve individuals through established referral partnerships. We will also partner with Tribal agencies. Students participating in the clinic will collaboratively build lawyering skills and engage in community lawyering and collaborative lawyering. Students will interview clients, develop legal strategies, develop case theories and negotiate with others. They will also research and develop policies and recommendations to governments, agencies and nonprofits. 

Students in the Tribal Law Clinic will practice with limited licenses under the supervision of the Tribal Law Clinic Director. 

Jessica Millward, Tribal Clinic Director

Jessica (Jess) Millward joined the University of Idaho College of Law’s faculty in 2023 as the Director of the Tribal Law Clinic and Assistant Professor of Law. She earned her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law and her B.A. in English and Political Science from Trinity College, Hartford.  Professor Millward was selected as an Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow and worked at Montana Legal Services Association, serving for two years. During that time, she served clients through a Medical-Legal Partnership and worked on public benefits, housing, and other matters. After her term as an AmeriCorps Legal Fellow ended, she transitioned to a staff attorney position at Montana Legal Services, practicing in the area of public benefits and reinvigorating the firm’s Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker program. In her last year at Montana Legal Services, she served as an interim managing attorney. 

Professor Millward’s research interests include clinical pedagogy, health law, poverty law, rurality, tribal law and administrative law. At Idaho, Professor Millward teaches the Tribal Law Clinic, Poverty Law, and Rural Law. 

Jessica Millward

Assistant professor of law.

[email protected]

Location: Moscow Courses Taught: Poverty Law

Information for Students

Where is the clinic based out of.

The clinic is based out of the College of Law’s Moscow Campus. Initially, all clinical students will be in Moscow, but this may change over time. One of the clinic’s major learning goals is for students to engage in client-centered learning and to engage in-person with their clients as much as practicable.

What type of client representation will I do?

The type of representation will vary based on client needs and existing clinic caseloads. Students may represent governments and organizations, individual clients, and may also engage in providing know-your-rights or other training to client groups and service providers. TLC’s goal is to listen to our client population about what their needs are and flex our representation strategy to meet that need.

Will I travel as part of my clinic?

Yes, you will travel locally on a regular basis. This is key to our clinic’s learning goals, as students will be engaging in-person with their clients as much as possible. The clinical program reimburses gas expenditures.

How many credits is the clinic?

Ideally, students will dedicate five credits in both the fall and the spring. Depending on caseload there may be flexibility in this requirement.

What will I learn?

You will engage in a lot of learning in your clinic year. You will learn how to represent clients using client-centered practices. You will learn how to interview, counsel, and advocate for your clients. You will draft legal documents and policy recommendations. You will learn how to navigate tricky problems and find a multitude of solutions both within and outside of the usual legal framework. You will engage in group learning and share your wins, losses, and problems. You will do all this working under close supervision with a caseload intentionally developed to ensure that you have the time to develop an attorney-client relationship and engage in intentional, quality legal representation.

What is supervision like?

Clinical students will meet at least weekly with their supervisors. Depending on case allocation, meetings may be individual or in teams. Students will develop a meeting agenda, listing their priorities for the meeting and reporting the work they have accomplished on their cases and the time it took them. Supervision meetings are dynamic, often turning to the whiteboard for brainstorming or problem-solving. 

We will often “moot” or role-play major case events like difficult conversations with clients, trials, or meetings. My goal for students is that they are going into their work as well-prepared as possible and with tools to navigate unexpected situations.

What is class like?

The clinic seminar is a companion to your client representation. Topics will include lawyering skills like interviewing, counseling, writing, and trial preparation. We will also cover legal topics as they come up in our cases. Other topics will include narrative theory and storytelling, creative problem-solving, and developing legal theories. At times, we will have role-plays or simulations so that students have the chance to practice, assess, and reflect on key skills so that they master them. 

We will also turn to community experts for our learning, as well as clinic students who will select topics for and lead classes in the second semester. Finally, we will engage in case rounds, which are discussing cases among peers to support each other and engage in creative problem-solving. 

Are there prerequisites?

No. Students are encouraged to take Native American Law and/or Native American Legal Research. 

Information for Potential Clients

How do i get help.

Initially, the Tribal Law Clinic is working directly with tribal and community partners for client intake and project development. For individual clients, we may expand at a later point to intake clients directly. For Tribal Governments, Agencies, and Organizations, as we grow we hope to issue Requests for Proposals regionally. 

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Why you won't find a Chinatown or a Little India in Moscow

There are multiple places connected to the Asian culture in Moscow; however, it has no particular Asiatown.

“I found somewhere I can almost call home – Ottawa’s Chinatown,” wrote Lui Xia Lee, an Asian student at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, gladly listing all the things she missed from home but found in Ottawa’s ethnic enclave: Asian grocers, food and even artworks (such as an Imperial Style Arch which marks the entrance to almost every Chinatown).

Lee is not the only one to enjoy Chinatowns, or Asiatowns. These ethnic enclaves within big cities are near ubiquitous around the world. It's not only copies of China - many cities have their Little India, Little Italy… and, of course, Russia. For instance, Brighton Beach in New York's Brooklyn district is famous for its Soviet spirit and so many Russian (or Ukrainian) speakers that locals call it Little Odessa.

Nevertheless, if Lui Xia Lee had chosen a different vast, cold country to study in, it would have been impossible for her to find a Chinatown in Moscow, or in St. Petersburg, or anywhere else in Russia. The same goes for Little India or any other ethnic enclave – Russians just don’t have them and foreigners are usually spread around the cities randomly. Why so?

Integration not separation

Annual Lunar New Year Parade Held In New York's Chinatown.

Chinatowns originated in the late 19th century: when Beijing was forced by the Western powers to open its borders many of its citizens embarked on journeys to the West, hoping to make it big in the industrialized ‘first world’. It was a pattern followed by other ethnic enclaves, political scientist Vladimir Malakhov from the Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, believes.

“Ethnic districts emerged not because migrants wanted to create them but because in several districts real estate was older and hence cheaper,” Malakhov told Bolshoi Gorod (‘Big City’). Locals in, say, New York, tried to avoid those districts while migrants found them affordable, bought apartments and eventually formed ethnically-oriented districts.

Vietnamese migrants in a Moscow market.

“In Moscow, we have the other pattern,” explains Malakhov. “Unlike in Western cities, we build prestigious houses in all districts - including those not considered prestigious, so it’s all about the mix of social strata.” So in Moscow, and pretty much in any other big city in Russia, you can see both middle-class families and migrants living in the suburbs. Their standards of living may differ but geographically they share the same neighborhoods. For these reasons, Muscovites are wary of suburban districts becoming ghettos, even though there is little chance it will happen.

Ethnic places

The fact there are no ethnic enclaves in Moscow doesn’t mean it lacks ethnic restaurants, cultural centers or schools – they are just not concentrated in any particular area. There are certain places where foreigners prefer to live but still, they are not concentrated in enough numbers to turn any district into predominantly Chinese, French or Azerbaijani.

Deutsche Schule Moskau - a German school in the southwest districts of the city.

Germans, for instance, have a special feeling for Vernadskogo Avenue in the southwest of the city, where the Deutsche Schule Moskau – the German Moscow School – is situated. To enroll in such a school one needs to be fluent in German, as the classes are taught in German. Many German families tend to live in a nearby apartment block. But generally speaking, in the southwestern of Moscow you are pretty likely to meet people from anywhere in the world, as the area has many different universities with lots of foreign students.

The French prefer the historical center of the city: Chistyye Prudy (‘Clean Ponds’) and Patriarchiye Prudy (‘Patriarch Ponds’) districts, as well as Sretenka Street, are popular. Erwann Pensec, a Frenchman living in Chistyye Prudy district, says: “I noticed there are a lot of my compatriots here, which is not surprising: we have a French church, a French school, a French chamber of commerce here. Each day I hear people speaking French and there are several French families living in my building.”

But generally, it’s almost impossible to locate foreigners in Moscow: you can meet anyone anywhere, be it an American in the industrial outskirts or migrants from the former USSR in the center. “People from the Balkans, for instance, live in the apartments of their spouses, meaning all around Moscow and Moscow region,” Dejan Mitevski from Serbia stresses – but this can be true of any foreigner.

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