Discover the Vibrant Heart of Oakland: Chinatown

Explore Oakland's Chinatown: A vibrant neighborhood rich in culture, history, and culinary delights, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

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Chinatown

Located in the heart of Oakland, Chinatown is a bustling and colorful neighborhood that offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine. Established in the 1850s, this area has grown into a lively hub of Asian-American life, where visitors can immerse themselves in a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Stroll through the streets of Chinatown and you'll be greeted by an array of vibrant murals, traditional Chinese architecture, and an eclectic mix of shops. From herbal medicine stores to bustling food markets, every corner of this neighborhood tells a story. Don't miss the chance to explore the Lincoln Square Park, a community gathering spot that hosts cultural events and performances throughout the year. Food lovers will be in paradise with the endless dining options available. Whether you're craving dim sum, pho, or sushi, Chinatown has it all. Be sure to visit one of the many bakeries for a taste of freshly baked buns and pastries. For a deeper cultural experience, check out the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, which offers exhibitions, workshops, and performances that celebrate the diverse cultures of Asia.

Local tips in Chinatown

Visit early in the morning to experience the bustling markets at their peak.
Don't miss the street art and murals that tell the story of the community's history and culture.
Try the dim sum at one of the local tea houses for an authentic culinary experience.
Check the schedule of the Oakland Asian Cultural Center for special events and performances during your visit.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking to explore all the hidden gems.

File:ChinatownGatePortland.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Pacific Renaissance Plaza in Oakland Chinatown.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Chino BYI MeetingOfStyles 2008 Oakland Graffiti Art.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Lincoln Park 7.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Oakland Museum of California

Explore California’s vibrant history, art, and nature at the Oakland Museum, a cultural gem in the heart of Oakland, California.

Wilma Chan Park (formerly Madison Square Park)

Discover Wilma Chan Park, an urban oasis in Downtown Oakland offering serene green spaces, walking paths, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Camron-Stanford House

Explore the elegant Camron-Stanford House, a historical museum in Oakland offering a glimpse into the Victorian era amidst beautiful lakefront gardens.

Chinese Garden Park

Explore the tranquil Chinese Garden Park in Oakland, a serene escape with beautiful landscapes, koi ponds, and a touch of cultural heritage.

Pardee Home Museum

Explore the Pardee Home Museum, a historical gem in Oakland showcasing Victorian architecture and rich local history amidst beautiful gardens.

Cathedral Building

Explore the Cathedral Building, a historical landmark in Downtown Oakland that showcases stunning architecture and vibrant local culture.

Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

Explore the vibrant Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, a cultural hub celebrating rich traditions and local businesses in the heart of Oakland.

Unmissable attractions to see

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Explore Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, a serene oasis filled with towering redwoods, scenic trails, and abundant wildlife in Oakland, California.

Oakland Museum of California

Discover California's vibrant history, art, and science at the Oakland Museum, a cultural landmark in the heart of Oakland.

Children's Fairyland

Explore the whimsical world of Children's Fairyland in Oakland, a magical theme park that ignites the imagination of young children through play and storytelling.

Temescal Regional Recreation Area

Discover the scenic trails, serene lake, and picturesque picnic spots at Temescal Regional Recreation Area in Oakland, a perfect nature escape for tourists.

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline

Discover Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, a beautiful park in Oakland, California, perfect for outdoor activities, relaxation, and appreciating nature's beauty.

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

Explore Middle Harbor Shoreline Park: A scenic waterfront oasis with trails, picnic spots, and stunning views of San Francisco Bay.

Essential places to dine

Yoshi's

Discover exquisite sushi and vibrant live jazz at Yoshi's in Oakland - where culinary art meets musical talent.

Shan Dong

Experience authentic Chinese flavors at Shan Dong in Oakland - a culinary gem offering diverse Asian dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.

Mua

Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine at Mua in Oakland - where every meal is a celebration!

NIDO's BackYard

Savor authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant outdoor setting at NIDO's BackYard - your ultimate dining destination in Oakland.

The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant

Experience the vibrant culinary scene at The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant in Oakland - where delicious American cuisine meets lively bar culture.

New Gold Medal Restaurant

Experience vibrant flavors and authentic dishes at New Gold Medal Restaurant in Downtown Oakland – a true gem for Chinese cuisine lovers.

Peony Seafood Restaurant

Experience the best of Cantonese cuisine at Peony Seafood Restaurant in Oakland, featuring exquisite dim sum and fresh seafood delights.

Ming's Tasty

Experience authentic Cantonese cuisine at Ming's Tasty, Downtown Oakland’s favorite spot for delicious dumplings and Asian fusion delights.

Gum Kuo

Discover the rich flavors of China at Gum Kuo, Oakland's beloved spot for authentic and affordable Chinese cuisine.

Saucy Oakland

Experience the vibrant fusion of flavors at Saucy Oakland – where tradition meets innovation in Pan Asian cuisine.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Exotic Gift Shop

Explore the Exotic Gift Shop in Downtown Oakland for unique gifts, local art, and unforgettable souvenirs that capture the spirit of California.

Oakland Chinese Book Store

Explore the rich cultural heritage at Oakland Chinese Book Store, a hidden gem for literature lovers in Downtown Oakland.

House of Fortune

Explore the serene House of Fortune in Oakland, a unique gift shop and Buddhist temple offering cultural treasures and a tranquil atmosphere.

ChinaVille

Explore the exquisite chinaware and unique gifts at ChinaVille, Downtown Oakland’s premier cultural and shopping destination.

Elegant Studio & Boutique

Explore the unique offerings of Elegant Studio & Boutique, a stylish shopping haven in the vibrant heart of Downtown Oakland.

Fonzie's Artisanal Goods

Explore Fonzie's Artisanal Goods for unique, locally crafted gifts and souvenirs in the heart of Downtown Oakland.

H way gift shop

Explore the heart of Oakland at H Way Gift Shop, where unique gifts and local artistry await every visitor.

I Tone

Explore the charm of I Tone, a gift shop in Downtown Oakland offering unique local treasures and artisan creations for every traveler.

Milam Gift Shop

Explore Milam Gift Shop in Downtown Oakland for unique gifts and local crafts that capture the city's vibrant culture.

B&Q Shop

Explore B&Q Shop in Downtown Oakland for trendy women's clothing and a unique shopping experience that reflects the city's vibrant fashion scene.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant

Experience the taste of America at The Fat Lady Bar & Restaurant in Oakland - a culinary haven for food lovers.

District Oakland

Discover the vibrant flavors of District Oakland, where tapas, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere create unforgettable dining experiences.

Cafe Van Kleef

Discover the charm of Cafe Van Kleef, Oakland's beloved cocktail bar that blends dive bar vibes with a creative cocktail menu.

The Kon-Tiki

Experience a tropical oasis in Downtown Oakland at The Kon-Tiki, where exotic cocktails and vibrant ambiance create unforgettable memories.

Merchants' Saloon

Experience the lively atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails at Merchants' Saloon, Oakland's vibrant cocktail bar.

Bar 355

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails at Bar 355, a top cocktail bar in Downtown Oakland, California.

Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Downtown Oakland at Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard, where great drinks meet a lively atmosphere.

First Edition

Discover First Edition, a top cocktail bar and dance club in Oakland, offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

Lounge Chinatown

Experience the perfect blend of traditional Chinese flavors and contemporary lounge vibes at Lounge Chinatown in Downtown Oakland.

Binny's Cocktail Bar & Restaurant

Discover Binny's Cocktail Bar & Restaurant in Downtown Oakland, where exceptional cocktails meet a diverse menu in a vibrant atmosphere.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide to Chinatown

Discover Chinatown with Evendo, a 100% free app-based local travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Local Phrases

- Hello你好
  [Nǐ hǎo]
- Goodbye再见
  [Zài jiàn]
- Yes是的
  [Shì de]
- No不
  [Bù]
- Please/You're welcome请
  [Qǐng]
- Thank you谢谢
  [Xiè xiè]
- Excuse me/Sorry对不起
  [Duì bù qǐ]
- How are you?你好吗？
  [Nǐ hǎo ma?]
- Fine. And you?很好。你呢？
  [Hěn hǎo. Nǐ ne?]
- Do you speak English?你会说英语吗？
  [Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?]
- I don't understand我不懂
  [Wǒ bù dǒng]
- I'd like to see the menu, please请给我看菜单
  [Qǐng gěi wǒ kàn càidān]
- I don't eat meat我不吃肉
  [Wǒ bù chī ròu]
- Cheers!干杯！
  [Gān bēi!]
- I would like to pay, please请结账
  [Qǐng jiézhàng]
- Help!救命！
  [Jiù mìng!]
- Go away!走开！
  [Zǒu kāi!]
- Call the Police!打电话给警察！
  [Dǎ diànhuà gěi jǐngchá!]
- Call a doctor!打电话给医生！
  [Dǎ diànhuà gěi yīshēng!]
- I'm lost我迷路了
  [Wǒ mílù le]
- I'm ill我病了
  [Wǒ bìng le]
- I'd like to buy...我想买...
  [Wǒ xiǎng mǎi...]
- I'm just looking我只是看看
  [Wǒ zhǐ shì kàn kàn]
- How much is it?多少钱？
  [Duōshǎo qián?]
- That's too expensive太贵了
  [Tài guì le]
- Can you lower the price?可以便宜点吗？
  [Kěyǐ piányi diǎn ma?]
- What time is it?现在几点？
  [Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?]
- It's one o'clock现在一点
  [Xiànzài yī diǎn]
- Half past (10)十点半
  [Shí diǎn bàn]
- Morning早上
  [Zǎoshang]
- Afternoon下午
  [Xiàwǔ]
- Evening晚上
  [Wǎnshang]
- Yesterday昨天
  [Zuótiān]
- Today今天
  [Jīntiān]
- Tomorrow明天
  [Míngtiān]
- 1一
  [Yī]
- 2二
  [Èr]
- 3三
  [Sān]
- 4四
  [Sì]
- 5五
  [Wǔ]
- 6六
  [Liù]
- 7七
  [Qī]
- 8八
  [Bā]
- 9九
  [Jiǔ]
- 10十
  [Shí]
- Where's a/the...?...在哪里？
  [...Zài nǎlǐ?]
- What's the address?地址是什么？
  [Dìzhǐ shì shénme?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?可以给我看地图吗？
  [Kěyǐ gěi wǒ kàn dìtú ma?]
- When's the next (bus)?下一班车什么时候？
  [Xià yī bān chē shénme shíhòu?]
- A ticket (to ....)一张票（到...）
  [Yī zhāng piào (dào ...)]

History of Chinatown

Chinatown in Oakland has roots that trace back to the mid-19th century, coinciding with the California Gold Rush. Chinese immigrants began arriving in large numbers, seeking fortune and work. Many settled in Oakland, where they established businesses and communities that would lay the foundation for Chinatown.
By the late 1800s, a distinct Chinatown began to take shape in Oakland. The community flourished with the establishment of shops, restaurants, and social clubs catering to the needs of Chinese immigrants. This vibrant hub became a focal point for cultural exchange and support among the Chinese community.
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 had a profound impact on Chinese communities across the United States, including Oakland. This legislation halted Chinese immigration and led to increased discrimination and hardship for those already living in Chinatown. Despite these challenges, the community persevered and adapted, finding ways to support each other.
Throughout the 20th century, Chinatown in Oakland became a center for cultural resilience. The community organized various festivals and celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year, which remain vibrant today. These events not only celebrate Chinese culture but also invite the broader Oakland community to participate and appreciate the heritage.
In recent years, there have been significant revitalization efforts in Oakland's Chinatown, focusing on preserving its historical and cultural significance while promoting economic development. Community organizations and local businesses have worked together to enhance public spaces, support local artisans, and attract tourism, ensuring that Chinatown remains a lively and integral part of Oakland's identity.

Chinatown Essentials

Chinatown in Oakland is accessible from various neighborhoods in the city. If you're coming from Downtown Oakland, you can take the AC Transit bus lines 1, 12, or 14, which will drop you off within walking distance of Chinatown. From Jack London Square, the same bus lines can be utilized. For those traveling from San Francisco, take the BART to the 12th Street / Oakland City Center station, and then transfer to a bus or walk to Chinatown.
Chinatown is a compact area, making it easy to explore on foot. Public transportation options include AC Transit buses, which connect to various parts of Oakland. BART is also accessible nearby for trips to other parts of the Bay Area. Biking is another viable option; bike racks are available throughout the neighborhood, and bike-sharing programs operate in the area.
Chinatown is generally safe for tourists; however, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid areas that are known for higher crime rates, such as parts of East Oakland. Be cautious when walking alone at night and keep your belongings secure. Stay vigilant in crowded areas, as petty theft can occur.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, located a few miles away. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-emergency situations, local pharmacies can assist with over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; don't wear overly flashy or expensive jewelry. Religion: Do be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting temples; don't take photos in places where it is prohibited. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers; don't play loud music or engage in disruptive behavior. Greetings: Do greet shopkeepers with a smile and a nod; don't interrupt conversations. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes from food stalls; don't waste food or make a mess in public areas.
To experience Chinatown like a local, visit the community markets for fresh produce and traditional snacks. Engage with vendors and ask about their products. Attend cultural festivals or events if your visit coincides with them. Try visiting lesser-known eateries rather than just the popular spots; hidden gems often serve the best food. Lastly, explore the neighborhood's history by visiting the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum.

Discover the Vibrant Heart of Oakland: Chinatown

Local tips in Chinatown