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Chinatown Gate
Chinatown Gate Review
This is the official entrance to Chinatown. Stone lions flank the base of the pagoda-topped gate; the lions, dragons, and fish up top symbolize wealth, prosperity, and other good things. The four Chinese characters immediately beneath the pagoda represent the philosophy of Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), the leader who unified China in the early 20th century. Sun Yat-sen, who lived in exile in San Francisco for a few years, promoted the notion of friendship and peace among all nations based on equality, justice, and goodwill. The vertical characters under the left pagoda read "peace" and "trust," the ones under the right pagoda "respect" and "love." The whole shebang usually telegraphs the internationally understood message of "photo op."
Travel Deals in San Francisco
- California Flight Sale (R/T incl. Tax) CheapOair
- San Francisco: Union Square Hotel w/Parking, 55% Off TripAlertz.com
- San Jose 4-Diamond Hotel over Weekends (Reg. $239) San Jose Marriott
- Car Rentals across California CarRentals.com
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