When the sun sets and the lanterns glow, San Francisco’s Chinatown transforms into a lively, mysterious, and enchanting world. The Chinatown Summer Nights Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience this iconic neighborhood after dark—when its true magic is revealed. With glowing lanterns overhead, the aroma of sizzling street food in the air, and centuries of history tucked into every alleyway, this nighttime walking tour is a must-do for anyone looking to discover the culture and soul of Chinatown in a new light.The tour typically begins just before sunset at the Dragon Gate, the grand entrance at Grant Avenue and Bush Street. As twilight sets in, the intricately carved gateway glows under streetlamps, setting the tone for the evening ahead. A knowledgeable guide often shares stories about Chinatown’s founding in the 1840s, when Chinese immigrants arrived in California during the Gold Rush and began to build .