One of the best things to do in San Francisco is to visit Chinatown, known for being the oldest and largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Located a short walk from Union Square, Chinatown is best experienced on foot, so that you can explore the produce markets and numerous alleys, such as Ross Alley (featured in the film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). And Chinatown restaurants are among the best and most popular in the Bay Area, from dim sum spots to seafood palaces.
Shopping is another popular activity, and one of Chinatown’s most unique shops is Clarion Music Center, located west of busy Grant Avenue. At Clarion Music, visitors can find traditional Chinese instruments, gongs, singing bowls, lion dance equipment and much more. The shop carries much more than Chinese items. Besides the more than 100 varieties of instruments from every continent, there are books, instructional videos and CDs for teachers and students.
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