Pillows

5 Impressions of Chinatown...

1. China - Of course. This is the oldest Chinatown in North America, and the neighborhood maintains its roots in the chinese tradition. 
2. Souvenirs - Chinatown is lined with shops selling all sorts of souvenirs, and often at the lowest prices you'll find in the city. It is a pleasure to explore all the fascinating trinkets, gifts, widgets, items, etc. Also, the shops around the main entrance gate on Grant Ave. have amazing sculptures and glass art on beautiful display.
3. Proximity - Right in the middle of downtown, it's near everything! While a journey through Chinatown is a treat in itself, a bonus is that it's surrounded by the happening North Beach, Financial District, Russian Hill, Nob Hill, and Union Square neighborhoods.
4. Tunnels - There are two lengthy tunnels that direct traffic through the heights of the Nob Hill and Russian Hill neighborhoods, and into Chinatown. The Stockton tunnel from the south and Union Square, and the Broadway tunnel from the west and Russian Hill.
5. Split - Within this relatively small neighborhood, you'll find two different chinatowns. Grant Ave. is lined with extravagantly decorated shops, has an grand ornamental gate marking it's entrance, and is the flashy chinatown that we generally think of. One block to the west, Stockton features a bustling market community where locals fill the sidewalks with activity. The street is lined with no frills shops featuring items labeled in chinese characters, underneath apartment windows dotted with laundry hanging out to dry.