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Red Bluff, US

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Red Bluff, US

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Immerse yourself in the rich history of Chinatown with this self-guided walking tour. Follow in the footsteps of the Chew family as they honor WWII veteran Joe You Chew with a traditional 19th-century funeral procession through the former Chinatown. Discover the surviving historical structures and learn about the challenges faced by the Chinese community in Tehama County. As you walk along Main Street and Walnut Street, you'll feel the spirit of the past and witness the last Chinese procession held by one of the original families in the area. The tour concludes at the Historic 19th Century Chinese Gravesite, the final resting place of the five original Chinese families. By booking this tour, you also contribute to the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation's scholarship fund. Don't miss out on this captivating experience!

About this experience

Non Refundable There is no return, refund or cancellation possible with this product
30 minutes
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Self Guided Experience

Highlights

Experience a self-guided walking tour of a Cantonese 19th Century Christian Chinese funeral procession
Walk in the footsteps of the Chew family and learn about their history
Explore the surviving historical structures of the former Chinatown
Contribute to a scholarship fund for Red Bluff Union High School
Visit the historic 19th Century Chinese Gravesite

Included

Mobile guide

Not included

In Person Tour Guide

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Explore the captivating history of Chinatown with a self-guided walking tour that takes you back in time. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of 19th-century Cantonese culture and experience a unique funeral procession dedicated to a WWII Congressional Gold Medal veteran, Joe You Chew. This extraordinary tour, organized by the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation, not only educates and engages but also supports a scholarship fund for Red Bluff Union High School.

What to expect?

During this 30-minute walking tour, you'll discover the fascinating story of one of the original Chinese families in Tehama County. Explore historical structures that have stood the test of time, surviving countless trials and tribulations. Walk in the footsteps of the Chew family as they honor their heritage through the ancient rituals of a Cantonese funeral procession. This self-guided journey will grant you insight into a world rarely seen, allowing you to witness the rich heritage and culture of Chinatown come alive before your eyes.

Who is this for?

This self-guided walking tour is for anyone with an interest in history, culture, and the legacy of Chinatown. Whether you're a local or a traveler passing through, this experience will take you on a unique journey, shining a light on the lives of the Chinese residents who once called this vibrant neighborhood home. It's an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the impact and contributions of the Chinese community in Tehama County and to appreciate their resilience in the face of adversity.

Why book this?

By joining this self-guided walking tour, you'll not only embark on a captivating historical journey but also support a worthy cause. All proceeds from the tour go towards the Helen and Joe Chew Foundation, which funds a scholarship dedicated to Joe You Chew's alma mater, Red Bluff Union High School. By participating, you contribute to the educational opportunities of future generations. Additionally, this unique experience offers a chance to step back in time and connect with the rich heritage of Chinatown, immersing yourself in a world that is both enlightening and unforgettable.

Good to know

The tour begins at the corner of Rio and Walnut Street, where you'll find a two-story structure with a red awning. It is then a leisurely walk along Main Street and Walnut Street, tracing the steps of the Chew family. If you're in the mood for lunch, the Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant on Main Street offers an interesting glimpse into the history of the former Ming Terrace Restaurant, the last Chinese residence and business in the historic Chinatown. The tour concludes at the Historic 19th Century Chinese Gravesite, a poignant reminder of the five original Chinese families who rest there, honoring their memory and traditions.

Reviews

Reviews from individuals who have taken this self-guided walking tour have praised it as a truly eye-opening experience. Visitors have found the historical information and stories shared during the tour to be both educational and thought-provoking. Many have commended the Chew family for their dedication to preserving Chinatown's history and culture. Overall, reviewers have expressed their deep satisfaction with this unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating heritage of Tehama County's Chinese community.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Meeting point

The building is located on the corner of Rio and Walnut Street with a red awning. It is a two story structure that is now a Therapeutic Messages business.

204 Walnut St, 204 Walnut St, Red Bluff, CA 96080, US

End point

The tour ends at the Historic 19th Century Chinese Gravesite where the Five original Chinese families are buried and were not excavated, deviating from Chinese tradition in the 1800’s. The gravesite is on the far right hand side, intentionally excluded due to segregation.

Oak Hill Cemetery-Red Bluff Cemetery District, 600 Cemetery Ln, Red Bluff, CA 96080, US

Your Itinerary

Red Bluff

It all begins with a stretch along Main Street to the end of Walnut Street. Due to the Chinese Exclusion Act, all of the Chinese homes were along High Street (now Rio Street) and ended on Antelope Blvd. Maybe you would want to stop for lunch, at the Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, located at 860 Main St, Red Bluff, CA 96080, there is a picture in the lobby of the Ming Terrace Restaurant. The Ming Terrace Restaurant was both the last Chinese residence and Chinese business to operate in the historic Chinatown closing in 1973. Walk the steps of the Chew family, as they performed one last ancient 19th Century Chinese ritual of a funeral procession traveling through the former Chinatown ending at Oak Hill Cemetery in honor of Joe You Chew, who was 99.5 years old and the last Chew family resident in Tehama County. This will guide you through the last time a Chinese procession would be held from one of the original Chinese families in Tehama County.

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews

(10)

5 (10)

AldenMC1

A walk through time showcasing an aspect of Red Bluff and Tahama County’s rich history. A fascinating look into the Chinese American experience, their contributions to Northern California and the development of the state in its early days. Very informative, meticulously researched and narrated by the guide. Proceeds from the tour also support the Helen & Joe Chew Foundation’s local scholarship fund. This is a must see stop on any trip here.

Catdawg916

Fun and informative experience. It's always nice to learn the history of places that you would've never been able to guess otherwise.

Quality888

I learned alot about the history of a prominent Chinese family in my hometown. I didn't realize this little town was so diverse. The tour guides were accomadating and knowledgeable.

Mariecallendars

I went on this self guided tour with my husband and two sons to learn more about my husbands Chinese culture. I felt very engaged with the experience. It’s very important to learn about the culture of those you love, and you could feel the love in this small Chinese community from the way the tour guide spoke. I loved this experience for my kids and our family.

swestlein

Beautiful and touching.... History is so important to preserve the memory of our ancestors. Thank you.

Z5233WApriyak

I found this great self-guided walking tour. It was fun and so easy. After booking I just followed the map and read about each building. It's a lovely story about the first original Chinese, the Chew family. I hadn't realized how much of the gadgets that I pick up in your average Chinatown are for funeral processions! I think it's really neat to get to experience a 19th Century Chinese funeral celebration in 2021! I highly recommend this historic walk.

gilh758

Came across this recently. Full of Chinese American cultural history that I didn't know existed in Red Bluff! Highly recommended and all proceeds go to a scholarship fund for the local school!

R7840NPpeters

What an unexpected pleasure! We came across this tour online and decided to give it a go. My wife and I have visited Chinatown many times but, without knowing, passed by interesting landmarks that had no context until now. Learning of Chinatown's history has enriched our view. We'd recommend this tour to local folks and travelers to learn about the history and add more colorful insite to seeing Chinatown.

SilverVision T

Fun and interesting tour! The tour guide was very friendly and helped us to understand the Traditional culture! Recommend this tour

Discover558975

The walking tour provided an unique historical insight while being able to view the beautiful boutique shops along the tour. Highly recommend the walking tour for anyone that enjoys history and cultural tourism.

Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator

2024-05-01 22:07