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Dragon Gate: Entrance to San Francisco's Chinatown

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Enter San Francisco's Chinatown through the Dragon Gate, a symbolic and historic gateway to a vibrant cultural experience.

The Dragon Gate, a traditional Chinese paifang, marks the southern entrance to San Francisco's Chinatown. Built in 1970, the gate is adorned with guardian lions and intricate carvings, symbolizing prosperity and protection, and welcomes visitors to the oldest Chinatown in North America.

A brief summary to Dragon Gate Chinatown SF

  • 413-401 Grant Ave, San Francisco, Chinatown, California, 94108, US
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dragon Gate Chinatown SF.

  • Visit early in the morning or in the evening for a less crowded experience.
  • Take time to observe the intricate details of the gate, including the guardian lions and roof carvings.
  • Explore Grant Avenue, the oldest street in San Francisco, which starts at the Dragon Gate.
  • Check out the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum to learn more about the history of Chinatown.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Union Square, walk northeast on Geary Street towards Grant Avenue. Turn right onto Grant Avenue and walk for approximately two blocks. The Dragon Gate will be on your right, at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street. This is a walk of about 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Ferry Building, take the California Street cable car line to Grant Avenue. The Dragon Gate is located at the corner of Grant Avenue and Bush Street. Cable car fare is $8 per ride.

  • Public Transport

    From Montgomery Street BART Station, walk out of the station and turn left onto Post Street. Continue until you reach Grant Avenue, then turn right. Walk towards the Dragon Gate at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street. BART fares vary depending on the distance traveled, but expect to pay around $1-$3 for a short trip within San Francisco.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Fisherman's Wharf, a taxi or ride-share to the Dragon Gate will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between $15 and $25 for the ride. Ask the driver to take you to the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking garages are available in and around Chinatown. Portsmouth Square Plaza Garage is located in the heart of Chinatown. The Sutter Stockton Garage is another option, a couple blocks from the Dragon Gate. Parking rates vary, typically costing $4-$6 per hour, with daily maximums around $30-$36. Be aware that street parking in Chinatown is limited and subject to time restrictions.

Discover more about Dragon Gate Chinatown SF

The Dragon Gate at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue serves as the iconic southern gateway to San Francisco's Chinatown. Constructed in 1970, the gate was a gift from Taiwan, designed in the style of a traditional Chinese paifang. This ceremonial entryway welcomes visitors into a historic neighborhood that dates back to the California Gold Rush. The gate features three portals, each adorned with green tiled roofs and guardian lions. The central, larger portal accommodates vehicular traffic, while the two smaller side portals are for pedestrians. The male lion on the west portal rests his paw on a pearl, symbolizing protection, while the female lion on the east portal rests her paw on a cub, representing the safeguarding of the people. The Dragon Gate stands as a testament to the resilience and cultural heritage of the Chinese community in San Francisco. The four characters on the central portal, “天下为公”, translates to “All under heaven is for the good of the people”. This reflects the community's commitment to the well-being of all. Passing through the gate, visitors enter a vibrant world of culture, commerce, and history.

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