A statue of China’s unifying First Emperor. It stands at the front entrance of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
From time to time I walk through San Diego’s historic Chinatown, which is located in what is officially called the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The area is bounded by Market Street, 2nd Avenue, 6th Avenue and J Street. You’ll find it downtown right next to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Over the years, I’ve learned a bit about San Diego’s early history during these walks. And I’ve accumulated a few photographs. Here are some cool sights that you might enjoy. I’ve provided interesting information in the captions.
The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The Chinese Mission Building, built in 1927, was moved in 1995 to its present location at 404 3rd Avenue.The California Mission Revival-style Chinese Mission Building, dated 1927, was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of renowned architect Irving Gill.Banners along side of downtown’s San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.Looking through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gate on Third Avenue. Behind the museum is a small Asian garden.Ornate front of the San Diego Chinese Center, a community resource located in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District.A century ago, Quin Produce was located here on Third Avenue. Ah Quin ran a family produce business and was once considered the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.The Chuang Archive and Learning Center of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.Display in window explains Feathered Beings Iconography. Feathered beings were frequently seen motifs in artifacts of the Han Dynasty.Three bay windows at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Extension display historical photographs and common artifacts from San Diego’s old Chinatown.Photographs in this outdoor exhibit show various aspects of Chinese culture.A view of San Diego’s Third Avenue a hundred years ago, and the family of influential businessman and civic leader Ah Quin.Items from daily life in old Chinatown include kerosene heater, iron, and a grocery scale.Scale manufactured by National Store Specialty Company, circa early 1900s.Display includes various articles used for food preparation and cooking in San Diego’s old Chinatown.Beautiful, artistic and historically interesting objects from daily life long ago in Chinatown.A walk through San Diego’s Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District provides many cool sights!
Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.
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11 thoughts on “Cool sights in San Diego’s historic Chinatown.”
In all the years I’ve lived here I’ve never been to Chinatown or the Japanese Garden.
Very interesting, Richard. The early Chinese settlers were very ambitious and innovative. I was curious about one of the items from the photo of “daily life.” It looks just like a machine that was used in an office when I first started working in Manhattan NY as a young person. I looked it up on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comptometer
Good observation! I was wondering what it was but didn’t see a sign! I was thinking it was either a primitive cash register or some kind of calculating machine!
Cool San Diego Sights! 
In all the years I’ve lived here I’ve never been to Chinatown or the Japanese Garden.
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If you like natural beauty, I’d definitely recommend the Japanese Friendship Garden. It has become a really special place.
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Fascinating museum- went there last year during the Chinese New Year celebration downtown.
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Thanks for the info–I’ve got it on my list of things to do!
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Fascinating! I have never been.
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Very interesting, Richard. The early Chinese settlers were very ambitious and innovative. I was curious about one of the items from the photo of “daily life.” It looks just like a machine that was used in an office when I first started working in Manhattan NY as a young person. I looked it up on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comptometer
Sure enough – it is! 🙂
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Good observation! I was wondering what it was but didn’t see a sign! I was thinking it was either a primitive cash register or some kind of calculating machine!
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I’ve been to the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum a few years ago and was really surprised that San Diego ever had a Chinatown.
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I didn’t know about it myself for a number of years.
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I’ll add this to my Bucket List for places to visit in San Diego… did not know about this. Thanks for sharing Richard a city full of unknown history.
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