Chinatown (Oakland) Travel Guide - Free

Explore Chinatown in Oakland with Evendo's free guide. Find the best shops, historic streets, restaurants, and gems on web or mobile.

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

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.

Explore Chinatown on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Chinatown, mapped for you.

Chinatown essentials

Getting There

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.

Getting Around

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.

Safety

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.

Emergency Situations

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.

Do's and Don'ts

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.

Local Tips

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.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
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]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
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]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
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]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
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?]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
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]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
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

Early Chinese Immigration

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.

The Formation of 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 Impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act

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.

Cultural Resilience and Festivals

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.

Revitalization Efforts in the 21st Century

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 in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Neighbourhoods near Chinatown

The closest neighbourhoods to Chinatown, if you have time for more than one stop.

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Chinatown (Oakland) Travel Guide - Free

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