On Saturday, February 15, 2014, experience the sights and sounds of Chinatown during the community’s most exciting time of the year, the Chinese New Year Parade! Steeped in legends and stories, the parade has been an annual tradition for San Francisco since the days of the Gold Rush. To avoid being overwhelmed, here are my recommendations.

Getting There
Chinatown is extremely crowded and driving can be very frustrating. I park at the public lot for the Hilton which is under the Chinese Culture Center. I also recommend the ferry. Chinatown is an easy 10 minute walk away from the Embarcadero.

Plan A Chinese Lunch
My favorite places are New Asia Restaurant (772 Pacific) or the R&G Lounge (631 Kearny.) We top off our day with a yummy Moon Cake at the Eastern Bakery (720 Grant.)

Explore Chinatown
Chinatown shuts the streets off to cars for the Community Street Fair and you never know who you might bump into. Join the fun on Saturday, February 15, 2014, 10 am – 4:30 pm and Sunday, February 16, 2014, 9 am – 5 pm.

There are a lot of shops to explore. A visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory on Ross Alley just off Grant is a must.  And don’t miss some of the intriguing herb shops. My favorite is The Great China Herb Company at 857 Washington. We also love the Kite Store at 717 Grant. Don’t forget to pick up some snaps and sparklers which the kids love.

Enjoy the Parade!
The parade starts at 5:20pm at Second and Market. We stand on the corner outside the Chinese Culture Center about 5:30pm. The kids are always excited to see the dragons, moon-faced monks, and lion dancer.

Annual Spring Fair & Treasure Hunt
The Chinese Culture Center throws a free event called Annual Spring Festival Celebration on the 3rd floor of its building on Kearny Street on February 15, 11:30am – 4pm. Enjoy exhibitions, crafts, demonstrations, performances of lion dancers, martial arts, folk and classic dances and much more.

Register for the Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt from 4:30pm at Justin Herman Plaza.

Don’t miss one of San Francisco’s most treasured celebration, the Chinese New Year Parade. Enjoy the vibrant history that Chinatown offers and welcome in the Year of the Horse.