Get a taste of the Orient as you travel through San Francisco and stop by Chinatown. Notable for being one of the largest Chinese communities outside of Asia, this distinctive area offers an astonishing array of attractions, all with a Chinese flavor, including magnificent architecture, shopping, and more.

Historically, it has played an important role among Chinese immigrants in the United States, often serving as a starting point upon arrival in the nation. However, its importance as a tourist attraction is much greater and many travel to Chinatown to enjoy its offerings.

Major structures found here include the Bank of America, the Sing Chong Building, and two churches. Bank of America is characterized by golden dragons on the structures, columns and doors, while there are 60 dragon medallions on its exterior, making it one of the most distinctive bank branches in the world. The Sing Chong Building was one of the first to be rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and features a different façade that typifies the Chinese architectural style that prevails in Chinatown.

The two churches that can be found here are the First Chinese Baptist Church and Old St. Mary’s. Both have a lot to offer visitors with their magnificent architecture and variety of prominent highlights located inside such as plaques and other icons. These two churches were built as part of an effort by the then US government to introduce Christianity to the population of Chinatown and still stand proud today.

When it comes to dining options, Chinatown serves up a staggering array of dishes including everything from large-scale Chinese restaurant cuisine to small cafeterias.

For those who enjoy a short-term trip, residing in one of the San Francisco Hotels makes the most sense. San Francisco hotels will offer guests comfortable accommodations, a variety of services and a base from which to explore the famous city.