The Cure IV

Chinatown is literally a city within a city. And Chinatown isn't merely a tourist trap, run-of-the-mill attraction, but a genuine celebration of Chinese culture. Sure, there are signs of the exotic as evidenced by the several wares for sale like spices, silks and jade; but events like the Chinese New Year celebration dramatically demonstrate the pride and tradition that is still very much alive at the Grand Avenue and Bush Street entrance and beyond.

The Asian culture is a vital part of San Francisco's identity. To celebrate the cultural contributions, you can get a deeper and quite colorful view when you visit the Asian Art Museum. This museum is one of the largest venues in the world devoted entirely to Asian art. When you enter the venue, you will be struck by the incredible variety of pieces which number to over 15,000. Every one of these exhibits span nearly 6,000 years of history. The sheer depth and breadth of the art presented here is a sweeping introduction to Asia's major cultures as well as those of India, Tibet, China, Japan and Korea.

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of San Francisco's most historic and stunning attractions. Originally built in 1915 for the Panama Pacific Exposition, this famous landmark began to show signs of wear and was recreated in cast concrete in the 1960s to preserve its classic style and essence. The inviting rotunda was preserved in its reconstruction, and the structure is now a popular site for concerts and various other types of performances that still echo with the Palace's regal history.