The San Francisco Chinese New Year will be held February 11 in 2017 at 5:15 p.m. at the corner of 2nd & Market Streets. This historical and colorful Parade began in the 1860s by Chinese citizens who came to the United States seeking work and who stayed during the Gold Rush. The parade incorporates Chinese and American tradition and includes over 100 entries and is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Chinese New Year Float

The Chinese New Year Parade route travels through China Town and ends at Jackson and Kearny Streets around 8:00 p.m. Organizers recommend getting there at least one hour in advance of scheduled start time for a good front row view. Route map can be seen below. Parking will be available at garages around Union Square, and daily costs varies from $30-$50. BART transportation drops attendees two blocks from the parade.

Parade View

Top hotels near the action include the Westin St. Frances and Hilton San Francisco, which are on the parade route. Many consider dining in China Town the most delightful part of attending the event. I consider San Francisco one of the great ‘foodie” cities in America, and my favorite Chinese dining destination is Z&Y Restaurant, which has been honored by Zagat and other food critics. Other great restaurant choices include House of NanKing, which has an amazing authentic menu selection; Hunan Home’s Restaurant, offering familiar Chinese menu items; for many years Hakkasan, an upscale/modern Union Square favorite offering Chinese, Asian and gluten free menu items. Additional travel details can be found on the San Francisco Chinese Parade site at www.chineseparade.com

Hunan Home’s Restaurant

Enjoy the Chinese Year of the Rooster in San Francisco. I will be doing my best to be there!

GONG XI FA CAI

2017 Year of the Rooster

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About Bonnie Carroll

Bonnie Carroll has been a food/travel/lifestyle writer since 1983. She is the founder & publisher of Bonnie Carroll’s Life Bites News (www.lifebitesnews.com), does travel and food reporting on local Radio/TV, and contributes to a variety of national and international travel/lifestyle publications. She is a member of IFWTWA and NATJA. Contact her at writebc@aol.com.