SDCHM - San Diego Old Chinatown History

Chinese junk in San Diego Bay, circa 1870

San Diego's Chinatown was smaller than those of San Francisco and Los Angeles. In 1880, there were only 200 Chinese out of a total population in San Diego of 8,600.
Chinatown was located in the area between Market and K Streets and between 2nd and 5th Avenues. At that time the area was close to the bay, where Chinese fishermen had shacks extending over the water. This area was also adjacent to the Stingaree, San Diego's redlight district. Some of the activity spilled over into Chinatown. Gambling was always a popular activity, and there were fan-tan and lottery.
It is assumed that the first Chinese to come to San Diego were fishermen. Two Chinese fishing villages existed in San Diego. One was established at Roseville in Point Loma, and the other was located at the foot of San Diego's New Town, the village later grew to become Chinatown. Their junks (pictured at left) were anchored where the Convention Center stands now. For more history...

The Museum Library contains books on Chinese American history. The library is open during museum hours.

The Museum newsletter includes many essays written by Murray Lee and museum staff members chronicalling local history. Newsletter index.

Books for sale in our gift shop.

The Museum houses several exhibits containing artifacts excavated locally in Old Chinatown. These items were found within a one-block radius of the museum's location on the corner of Third Avenue and J Street in downtown San Diego. These sites include the original location of the Woo Chee Chong and Gim Wing stores and the current locations of the Horton Grand Hotel and the Harbor Club. For the collection of artifacts ....

Do you have interest in promoting Asian Pacific history, arts, and culture? For more info contact www.asianpacificdistrict.org.

For a map of the Old Chinatown part of San Diego.
Available at the museum are tour brochures that highlight historic buildings in the area and promote local businesses.


Collections Education Events Exhibits Extension Garden Home Information Members News


Chinese junk in San Diego Bay, circa 1870	San Diego's Chinatown was smaller than those of San Francisco and Los Angeles. In 1880, there were only 200 Chinese out of a total population in San Diego of 8,600. Chinatown was located in the area between Market and K Streets and between 2nd and 5th Avenues. At that time the area was close to the bay, where Chinese fishermen had shacks extending over the water. This area was also adjacent to the Stingaree, San Diego's redlight district. Some of the activity spilled over into Chinatown. Gambling was always a popular activity, and there were fan-tan and lottery. It is assumed that the first Chinese to come to San Diego were fishermen. Two Chinese fishing villages existed in San Diego. One was established at Roseville in Point Loma, and the other was located at the foot of San Diego's New Town, the village later grew to become Chinatown. Their junks (pictured at left) were anchored where the Convention Center stands now. For more history...	Museum Curator of Chinese American History, Murray Lee has written extensive reports on the history of the Chinese in San Diego. In Search of Gold Mountain: Chinese in California Story of Ah Quin, Unofficial Mayor of San Diego Old Chinatown History of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum building Chinese Lottery in San Diego Description of the Gim Wing and Woo Chee Chong stores
The Museum Library contains books on Chinese American history. The library is open during museum hours. The Museum newsletter includes many essays written by Murray Lee and museum staff members chronicalling local history. Newsletter index. Books for sale in our gift shop.	The Museum houses several exhibits containing artifacts excavated locally in Old Chinatown. These items were found within a one-block radius of the museum's location on the corner of Third Avenue and J Street in downtown San Diego. These sites include the original location of the Woo Chee Chong and Gim Wing stores and the current locations of the Horton Grand Hotel and the Harbor Club. For the collection of artifacts ....	Do you have interest in promoting Asian Pacific history, arts, and culture? For more info contact www.asianpacificdistrict.org.
For a map of the Old Chinatown part of San Diego. Available at the museum are tour brochures that highlight historic buildings in the area and promote local businesses.