Dragon Gate

The beautiful Dragon Gate is one of the most photographed icons in the whole city. It was commissioned in the late 1960s and dedicated in 1970, and is the only authentic Chinatown Gate in North America. It’s very closely based on traditional Chinese village gates, called paifang. It’s built of stone from base to top and covered with a green-tiled wooden roof. It has a large, ceremonial main entrance, and two smaller side entrances for so-called common people. The two lion statues keep out evil spirits. Up above, the inscription is a quote from Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat Sen. It says “All under heaven is for the good of the people.”

This is the end of our tour. Two blocks down on Grant and one block to the right on Post returns you to Union Square, where you started. Thanks for joining me, and enjoy the rest of your day!