San Francisco – San Francisco’s Chinatown has rolled out the welcome mat ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference with a series of special events, including a Friday night night market.
Community leaders and store owners say this is an opportunity to show the world that San Francisco has a lot to offer despite its negative reputation, and that the summit could go a long way toward restoring the city’s image. He said that there is.
The summit is a chance for the historic Chinatown district to return to its pre-pandemic glory.
Camille Belamide, originally from San Francisco and now living in Vallejo, said, “I’m so happy that APEC is being held this weekend. The old Chinatown is back.”
Community leaders said this is a great opportunity to introduce the world to the deliciousness of Chinese culture and cuisine.
“We want them to come and see and enjoy it,” said Lily Lo of Beach Chinatown, the night market organizer.
“Every day, we’re going to put it on display,” Tony Lau, vice president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, pointing to the dragon that will be on display along Grant Avenue from Saturday to Sunday, Nov. 19. .
This is the same dragon that graces the grand finale of the annual Lunar New Year parade, an attraction worthy of the largest Chinatown outside of Asia.
Rumors of a visit from President Joe Biden or Chinese President Xi Jinping would be welcome.
“Chinatown is ready for this. They’re ready. [Xi] Come to our Chinatown [to see] How good are we,” Lau said.
Banners have been raised to welcome world leaders.
“People in the community and in the city are looking to APEC as a potential reset for San Francisco, a reboot for our image, and certainly for our reputation,” said Malcolm Yong, executive director of the Chinatown Community Development Center. “I am doing so,” he said.
He said the recent return of three China-based airlines to San Francisco International Airport after a three-year pandemic hiatus had a significant economic impact.
“We know that Chinese passengers spend the most per passenger of all passengers,” Yong said. “Chinatown along Grant Street is already seeing an increase in the number of Asian people, probably from overseas.”
The owner of P&C Gift Shop along Grand, which has been open since September, hopes the spotlight on the APEC summit will shine a positive light on the city.
“I hope this meeting will bring us more business and let more people know about San Francisco Chinatown,” said store owner Cherry Cai.
Chinatown will host a series of special events during the APEC Summit. The final event will be a disco block part scheduled to be held along Grant Avenue on Friday, November 17th.
Amber Lee is a reporter for KTVU. Email Amber at Amber.Lee@Fox.com or leave a text/message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU and Twitter @AmberKTVU.