Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it in the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character. read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when you're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city. read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Dragons gate is one of those places you have to come visit when in town. This structure is at the beginning of San Francisco Chinatown. I love walking around Chinatown when I'm in town visiting family. There's nothing like this Chinatown. I can compare this to New York's Chinatown and I'm from New York and I like this Chinatown better. As a tourist if you come to visit and you're looking for a good picture, it is very hard to get a good one with the whole structure being that dragons gate is right off of Bush Street with oncoming traffic so I suggest try to snap a good picture fast and quick Safely but not recommended . This is a busy area Sophia, aware of your surroundings. Chinatowns has many shops for souvenirs restaurants massage, parlors, and many other small businesses . A little history, this was built in 69 as a gift from the Republic of China Structure resembles traditional Chinese pailou, so if your into art and culture this is a must see. travelers tips if you're looking ride the cable car you have to take the California line which tours of course Chinatown, Nob Hill & financial district. The California line stops at Grant Avenue, which is one of the Main Street for Chinatown this will be your stop. I suggest getting a Muni pass which is unlimited, depending on the your visiting in the city that way you can stop at other locations while on the cable cars. read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Dragon gate is the entrance to china town, the coolest buildings in china town are along tge same street that dragon gate is on. There are some really stores and souvenirs shops. read more

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Enter the Dragon's Gate! Iconic landmark and staple of San Francisco's Chinatown I'm grateful I got to take in and experience. Absolutely a photo-worthy tourist dream and beautiful structure to be appreciated each and everyday in SF. It's very hustle bustle in this area, but you do have time to take a moment and reflect as well as enjoy the scenic beauty at the mouth of Grant Avenue & Bush Street where the Dragon's Gate resides. One of the most photographed areas of SF and Chinatown. Constructed in 1969 as a gift from Taiwan also known as Republic of China with amazing arches in the paifang style of architecture found throughout several parts of the world today including New Zealand, China, the US in , Boston, D.C., Southern and Northern California (via SF) to name a few #IconicLandmark read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Iconic San Francisco tourist area. Felt very safe walking around. Close to Chinatown and wonderful food options.

The Dragon Gate marks the entrance to Chinatown, and it's such a fun area to explore! There are lots of historic shops and restaurants full of character. I stopped by the Night Market on Friday night--so many people came out to enjoy it. The whole place was buzzing! read more

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Dragon's gate is the most beautiful entrance to Chinatown in SF! I love the hanging lanterns and culture of china town! This is a beautiful area!!!!! read more

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My friend and I -- both of Chinese descent -- came to visit the iconic Dragon Gate. The landmark is well kept and maintained but the immediate surroundings is disappointing as it's surrounded by art/antique shops that are not Chinese. Unlike my last visit 13 years ago... Instead, they are shiny and gaudy shops named "Michael" and "Leo". And with staff trying to get you into the flashy art stores. We took a photo of the gate, and then continued on into Chinatown proper which is beautiful and vast! Do continue into the largest Chinatown of North America. It's such a precious place. And go support the local Chinese shops and restaurants. read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This was so cool! I loved seeing it and taking pictures here. This is really the coolest entrance to a Chinatown that I've ever seen. I loved it and it was fun. read more

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Such a beautiful display to signify the entrance of Chinatown! Culturally beautiful, as well as a beautiful photo spot for tourists and locals. It's definitely a must-see. read more

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Iconic entrance to SF Chinatown When you see the Dragon's Gate at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue this is your sign that you are now entering San Francisco Chinatown from the south-facing gate. As San Francisco has once again reopened post Covid more and more visitors are coming out to visit Chinatown and we saw some tourists take photos in front of this landmark gate. Our hotel was just a 3-min walk to the Dragon's Gate so I was able to capture some shots up close including one of the stone dragons. I would have to cross the street if I wanted to capture a shot of the entire entrance. The first few stores upon entering Chinatown are gifts shops and art galleries. This is the official entrance to Chinatown. Seen it many times before but really my first time to take the time to check it out. Review #2659 read more

Dragon's Gate - 07.30.22 intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Icon in San Francisco! Come early -- there will be no people and you can have it all to yourself for photos. (Then, you can stand under the arch since there will be no cars that early, haha.) I always enjoy a good stroll through Chinatown -- good for people/crowd watching, too! 2022: 74/100 read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Dragon's Gate is the iconic entrance to San Francisco's Chinatown. My friend asked, "Is this it?" when we got there, so it is may not be as grand as the name sounds. There is a street near the gate closed off to cars, and there are a lot of pretty lanterns for a good photo op. I noticed some of the stores near the gate are extremely Western and minimalist, which was strange for being in Chinatown. It was hard to find street parking, so we paid for garage parking. read more

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Amazing happy hour. Good rolls and food selection Really good service and really good drinks! Highly recommend read more

Dragon's Gate - Strawberry bourbon drink - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Dragon Gate, aka Chinatown Gate, is a south-facing gate at the intersection of bush st and grant Ave. It was built in the style of a traditional Chinese pailou, and later it became one of the most photographed locations in Chinatown. read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

I feel like the dragon gate is a tourist trap. As the entrance into San Francisco Chinatown, I was disappointed to see that Grant Avenue was mostly art and gift shops. I view it as the tourist side of Chinatown. All those lanterns make the street look colorful and nice but you probably have to make it to Stockton Street before you feel like you are actually in Chinatown. The dragon gate is beautiful and worth checking out if you are in the area. I can see why everyone wants to take a picture since it's not very often you will see something like this. I came in the middle of the afternoon and there were a lot of cars and people walking by. It seems almost impossible to take a picture without cars or random people in it unless you go late night when stores are closed or early morning before stores open. read more

Dragon's Gate - View of dragon gate from the front - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Dragons Gate is the official entrance into San Francisco's Chinatown!! The creator of this did a great job staying true to Chinese architecture, even down to the details. The cement Lion statues are there to protect from evil spirits. Another iconic, historical SF landmark, enjoy!! read more

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You can't think of Chinatown in San Francisco without picturing the iconic Dragon's Gate, the famous entrance inside the kingdom of a cool part of the city. You've seen in movies and TV shows lots of times, but looking at it in person is even cooler. It's near Bush and Grant and it opens a world of possibilities, a great area to explore! You have to take photos of it, who doesn't? The dragons are so inviting! When I'm in San Francisco, I always like to stop by. Hard to resist! An easy walk from Union Square area. Wear comfy shoes to explore the area on foot. Nothing beats that! read more

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Signature Chinatown entrance gate in SF! It's much needed if you're touring to get a snapshot here! Iconic and cultural when in SF to experience the diversity and history! read more

Dragon's Gate is the official gate into San Francisco Chinatown. It's located on the southern border of Chinatown at Grant Ave and Bush St. The gate spans over Grant, which goes north-south. The gate goes by other names including Dragon Gate, the Gateway Arch, and Chinatown Gate. The gate opened/was dedicated in October 1970, making it one of the older Chinese gates in America. By comparison, the Chinatown gate in Philadelphia opened in January 1984: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chinatown-friendship-gate-philadelphia. This is one of the most photographed spots in San Francisco. The gate spans over one car lane (one-way: north into Chinatown) and, unlike other gates, two sidewalks on either side. So, both cars and pedestrians can go through the gate. Chinatown itself is three blocks, east-west, and eight blocks, north-south. Compared to Philly's Chinatown gate, SF's version is low-key and drab. It's simple and old-school. A couple cool features of the gate are the two large Chinese guardian lions (or lion dogs) that guard the pedestrian entrances. One is male (west entrance) and the other is female (east entrance). In general, you can always tell which guardian lion is female because she holds a lion cub underneath her paw; the male just has a ball. The gate and lions symbolize protection for Chinatown. While worth checking out, San Francisco Chinatown is old and relatively "dirty." It's also touristy. If you want to visit the locals' "real" Chinatown, I recommend going to Clement Street in the Richmond: https://www.yelp.com/biz/clement-street-san-francisco-2. read more

Dragon's Gate - Photo taken Tuesday, March 5, 2013 around 10:05 AM Pacific Time. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is the entrance to San Franciso's Chinatown. It is located on Grant and Bush St.

If you are visiting Chinatown in San Francisco, you have to enter through the Dragon's Gate. It's on the south side and is the official entrance into Chinatown. It was a gift from the Republic of China and opened in 1970. The architecture of the gate is of traditional Chinese pailou. The green tiles on top of the arch are what really make it stand out. On each side of the gate are two stone lions that act as guardians. One is a male and the other female. I recently did a food tour of Chinatown and met some people here. While waiting for my host, I took some time to enjoy the beauty of this gate. It's definitely worth the visit and makes for great pictures. read more

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Chinatown Gate which is also known as Dragon Gate is located in the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue. This is the south entrance to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. Covered with green tiles, the color of which reminds me of a jade gemstone which brings good luck. The gate has three portals supported by stone columns. On each side are two stone lions, a make and a female. The male lion is believed to be guarding the structure while the female lion is believed to be guarding the inhabitants. This is a highly tourist area so getting a pic without strangers on the frame is extremely difficult but with lots of patience, it can happen. I was actually able to get successfully a shot across the street without anyone on the gate. read more

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Why would you give this anything but five stars. It's free and open 24 hours a day. You don't need a reservation. It's not like it has bad service. Dragon's Gate is merely a photo op, the neighborhood star, south-facing gate into Chinatown. Like most gifts, it was Made in Taiwan. Though preceded by the occasional temporary gates built at that intersection for various celebrations 1939-1943 , the construction was inspired by a contest-winning essay on how to improve local business in the wake of US embargo a decade later in 1953. Competing designs, material shortages, and budget reductions slowed progress until a new mayor sponsored a design competition in 1967, won by Yee, Lee, and Lee. Construction was delayed due to the relocation of underground utilities, but eventually Taiwan donated ceramic tiles (valued at 45K), roofing, and the guardian lions: one, guarding the occupants is a female on the east with a cub, and guarding the occupants is a male on the west, holding one ball, who I like to call Lance Armstrong. A symbolic claim to Chinatown, the Dragon Gate (the first permanent ceremonial gate in the US) has stone columns with green tiles, creating three portals facing south, two for pedestrians and one for vehicles. Prosperity is symbolized by fish, power and fertility by dragons, and the Earth by the ball. Chinese characters promote Respect, Love, Trust, and Peace. The central signs reads the motto, "All under Heaven is for the good of the people" with lucky numbers on the back. The City paid for the other $91,000 (nearly triple the budget). Largely completed by July 1969 (like me), it was dedicated in October 1970 to a crowd of 3,000, including 50 protesters who argued the area needed housing, not "moon gates for tourists", which is a cool slogan and likely opening for My Morning Jacket at Coachella next year. read more

This iconic entrance will lead you straight into SF's Chinatown. Where you'll be surrounded by good food, plenty of tourists and souvenir shops but you'll also meet plenty of locals. Once you get past the tourists you'll find the beauty and cultural experiences in Chinatown. Here you'll find incredible dim sum restaurants, Chinese bakeries, and amazing to go food plus so much more. We came here everyday during our one week stay. There are also two parks located within in Chinatown as well. Plenty of spots to get boba or matcha. My favorite fortune cookie shop to make your own fortune cookies. If you plan on coming to SF this is a spot you have to bookmark. read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Like a magical entrance to another land! Having visited Hong Kong as a young adult, this portal always reminds me of the adventures my family had there. The beautiful tiles, the majestic leontine dragons and the sidewalks leading up to a welter of shops with goods from across the vast Pacific Ocean always sparks my imagination. The shopping in Chinatown may not be as good as it once was, where I found antique silk kimonos and strings of pearls at reasonable prices, but we did manage to get some extraordinary stone carved figures for our garden. You just need to walk around the stores, maybe do a little research into Asian art before you go, and really chat with the shopkeepers...you might be amazed! So, take the plunge, walk up the hill, and enter another world! read more

Dragon's Gate - Dragon's Gate, SF - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This gate is an icon of Chinatown in San Francisco. I just wanted to take picture for my fond memory. I tried to ask the locals. But they might not speak English. Others looked like a tourists. I had to ask Google. Google answered " Grant and Bush". I arrived and took pictures. A car came from behind me! The car almost hit me. Be careful, here is not a only pedestrian street or car-free street! LOL. read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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What do I like the best about it? The dragons, of course, and the green roofs too. But I also like the lions. They're so underrated. I also have so many questions. Among them: 1. Why can you walk around the gate on the sidewalk? Shouldn't you be forced to walk under it, either on the street or on the walking paths under the lower roofs? 2. What are the stairs for? 3. Why is there an interrupted circle of bricks in the intersection in front of the gate? San Francisco is so cool. All this fake-seeming stuff is real. It isn't just from old photographs. I think the gate has surprised me at least four times, because I always think it's closer to Union Square. And/or that it's on Stockton. read more

DEFINITELY A MUST! -- I ended up coming here 2 times and still didn't see everything. The chinatown here is HUGE. I went into a good amount it stores and quick snack places and had no complaints for any of the ones I went into. A lot of these stores and restaurants are hole in the walls. There are so many great shops and food places! Absolutely underrated. However, since it's so big, it's very easy to get lost and a little confusing, so I recommend going with someone who knows the area. read more

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I had never really visited this San Francisco Chinatown gate before even though we travel to Bay Area from time to time. We walked around Chinatown after our dinner at the famous restaurant Z & Y, took us a little while to find this gate, so San Francisco Chinatown is much bigger than the LA one! This gate is very well kept, despite the homeless people sleeping there, it is a very beautiful and colorful gate. Parking wasn't a problem cause we ordered Uber from our hotel at fisherman's wharf. I think the better way to visit this gate is to walk around, pick a restaurant to eat and drink before or after, it makes more sense to tour the entire Chinatown and walk to this gate. A must stop in San Francisco Bay Area, definitely come here to have a look of this beautiful Chinatown gate and surrounding areas! read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

when you see this gate, Chinatown it is. quite similar gate for Chinatown all across the world, Vancouver, London, Yokohama, Bangkok ... read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Never really thought of reviewing an entryway? However this Iconic landmark and offical gate into San Francisco's Chinatown is one of those that is worthy of reviewing. Driven through it literally hundreds of times and walked around and by it for almost five decades now, since its opening back in the fall of 1970. Literally photographed and filmed millions of times over all those years as well, it is one of the most recognizable of the city's many landmarks. This subdued by comparison, old school "foo dog" lion dog guardians gate sits on the intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street, it is the southern enterance into Chinatown neighborhood. Definitely worth a visit as a tourist to the city, and another cool part of the diversity of the city by the bay. 4 Stars - its a concrete gate 00695 read more

Choose to go on an urban hike around this neighborhood if you're here for work. It's always a good way to get your step count and sweat a little before you start your day! San Francisco is known for its hills, and there's definitely a lot of them here in Chinatown! I went for a walk around the neighborhood with my colleagues bright and early in the morning, and enjoyed the art around the hood. It was still relatively quiet, which was nice - especially knowing that probably a few minutes after our walk it was probably going to be slammed with pedestrians and cars driving or walking up and down the street. This place is definitely photo-friendly, with lanterns strung around the street, which is why it's a great idea to come before to frenzy! Make sure to capture photos of all the beautiful street art, as well as the colorful staircase! read more

Great place to visit when in San Francisco. I love all of the food and dessert options. Shopping in China town is always fun. Endless variety of shops and restaurants. Gorgeous authentic Chinese silk robs and gowns. As you walk down China Town you see a variety of shops from exotic fruits and vegetables to exotic herbal teas. China Town is very historic, and a must see when in town read more

Beautiful gate at the entrance of china town! Go see if you're in the area! China town offers many different shops, restaurants, and beautiful/unique architecture! read more

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I didn't get to see Chinatown on my first visit to San Francisco, and made it a mission this visit to not miss out. I had for years, heard all the wonderful stories about Chinatown in San Francisco and couldn't wait to check it out. I've now been to nearly all of the Chinatown's north America has to offer, and have to say this one failed to impress. It's not the worst one, but it's not the best one either - I would say average. There aren't much in the way of grocery shops and I was hoping to pick up some goodies to take home - so that was a let down. Most of the businesses in Chinatown are shops selling mainly souvenir and decor goods. There are some restaurants in Chinatown, but most of them have pretty mediocre reviews, and seem very average Americanized joints (lots of sugar and fried specialties). I was hoping for something more authentic or maybe even just something high end. I really wanted to do dim sum in Chinatown, but kept finding the best dim sum's were NOT in Chinatown. I see San Francisco's Chinatown as more touristy and not very functional to be honest. It's a great place for a stroll, the gate is cute and that's about it. I would say visit it if you can, but if you missed it the first visit like me, don't feel too left out. read more

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Enjoy walking in SF espically it's beautiful and historical. Dragon has been the most enjoyable area to walk too.. read more

Dragon's Gate - Front view - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is one of many landmarks in the downtown San Francisco area. When we came here, the Chinese New Year celebration was in full swing. We fortunately found parking a stone's throw away from this place, and were able to check out the celebrations. The gate itself sits over the entrance of Chinatown. The street that passes underneath it is two lanes wide, and takes you through a small uphill. The gate is beautifully decorated, with some pretty interesting detail. There street lights that sit near it resemble traditional lanterns. And the cultural experience can be felt within feet of this place. It is worth a visit. But note that if there are any major events going on nearby, you might be sitting in traffic for an hour just to get out of the downtown area. read more

Dragon's Gate - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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China town in San Francisco is huge!!!! Much better than the one in Los Angeles. Def a place to visit if you are in San Francisco. Very clean. A lot going on as well. Get them walking shoes on and explore. read more

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