Welcome to China(Town)

March 18, 2015
 

There are so many reasons why I love San Francisco, I'd need several posts to explain them all. The main reason is its variety. The city by the bay is the epitome of the melting pot. A walk around some of its neighborhoods will make you believe you are Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days.

A few weeks ago I was talking about the big unannouced changes we can see in cities. Something similar happens when you walk up Grant Avenue in San Francisco and you enter Chinatown. You instantly feel transported to China, it doesn't feel like California any more. The buildings, the smell and streets are different. Even the street lights. Can you spot one on the first photo? They are probably the most beautiful I've ever seen!

This is believed to be the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest one in North America - it became established in the mid 1800’s. This enclave continues to retain its own customs, languages, places of worship, social clubs, and identity. Visitors can easily become immersed in a microcosmic Asian world, filled with herbal shops, temples, pagoda roofs and dragon parades.

The current look of Chinatown came after the 1906 earthquake. Because Chinatown at the time of the quake was mostly wooden shacks, the area was almost completely demolished.
Chinatown was rebuilt in it’s original location. Though some of the architecture may not be true Chinese, the food, culture and people continue to bring authenticity back to the area.

Because the Chinese are known for specializing in natural herbs and teas, you may want to make a stop at some of the many herb or tea shops. It's also the perfect area if you are looking for souvenirs.


Wishing you a lovely Wednesday,
Cristina xo

23 comments

  1. Such a shame about the earthquake >< It looks amazing though and I can imagine the food is delicious x
    Freya's Fashion Chapter

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  2. Beautiful photos, makes me miss SF. I used to love walking through Chinatown exploring all the shops.

    http://www.mintnotion.com

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  3. Dreamy place and amazing pics too. Thank you for sharing!
    Valentina
    http://www.mybubblyzone.com/

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  4. I've been to Chinatown once in San Francisco but I had never heard of the earthquake story! That was interesting to read! Great photos! Lovely post! :)
    xx
    Kenzie
    Behindhazeleyes06.blogspot.com

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  5. It looks so great!! Wish I could go there ;)

    WWW.LIAKW.COM

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  6. Nice China!! Love this pics.
    Kisses from Spain.
    Xoxo, P.

    My Showroom




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  7. Such fun pics!

    www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com

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  8. That's so amazing!

    XX

    http://www.floortjeloves.com
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  9. Great photos, I love San Fran
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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  10. Ahh, I miss San Francisco! I spent a whole day in Chinatown exploring a couple of months ago. Such an interesting place! Can't wait to go back. :)

    [ xox Jade ] [ Lace Lux Lookbook ]

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  11. I love San Francisco! It has been so long since I was there last and this post has made me think I should plan another trip very soon!

    xoxo Alison
    http://www.stylingmylife.com/

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  12. Estupenda entrada... Un abrazo desde Murcia....

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  13. Looks awesome!!

    xxx Linsey from POSE-BLOG.com

    You can also check my BLOGLOVIN & FACEBOOK if you like! :)

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  14. looks so cool there. definitely want to visit San Francisco too once in my life

    www.thefashionfraction.com

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  15. SUPER COOL PICS ! ;D

    saralookbook.blogspot.com

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  16. I wish you had more pictures.Lovely blog you have:)
    Would You like to follow eachother via GFC or google+ ?
    Let me know on my blog so I can follow back. ;)
    http://nessielicious.blogspot.com

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  17. So jealous! Would love to go one day too! Safe travels xoxo

    ♥ www.thekawaiiplanet.com

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  18. I like your blog, great post, with products that have liked. You want us to follow the one to the other? let me know

    Sibaritismosdeinma

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  19. Chinatown in SF is one of the best in the US, IMO :) Wish we had a better one in DC!

    xoxo, Christina

    Stray Birds and Lavender

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  20. Wish I could go theree! Lovely photos!

    Dora
    Bangs Bang | Bloglovin

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