The document summarizes the author's observations and experiences during a visit to Chinatown. It includes photographs and descriptions of various sights such as children playing in the streets, a man playing the erhu musical instrument, shops selling goods, political protesters, a famous restaurant, a kite shop that has been open since 1969, decorative lanterns, a mural conveying music and culture, and a street sign for Sacramento Street mentioned in Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club. The author explored the area, learned about its history and traditions, and was struck by the diversity and culture present.

1. The Golden City:
Chinatown
Chinatown
Gayane Karapetian
Anthropology 102
Leanna Wolfe
Spring 2015

2. • Chinatown is a fascinating place, and everywhere you go
you are surrounded by hyper enthusiastic kids. These kids
especially were a handful, causing ruckus in the streets.
They would run in front of random tourists and throw fire
poppers in front of them. The fake cigars and cigarettes
were fooling everyone, especially tourists. It had me
questioning where there parents were, and if these kids
might have been a danger to tourists.

3. • Here is man Playing the Erhu, which is a chinese two
stringed fiddle, a musical instrument. It’s history can be
dated back to the Tang Dynasty, as this man informed me.
It is very popular in many ethnic groups in China. All
throughout Chinatown I was able to hear different solo
artists play the Erhu. I even came across an entire group
of men playing the Erhu.

4. • I walked into every shop in Chinatown expecting something that I wouldn’t find
anywhere else. I wandered aimlessly ducking into every shop I came across. There
was only one worker in this store and he was the most kind-hearted man I had
ever met. I purchased different scarves and hand bags and the old man was very
appreciative.

5. • This was a strike in Chinatown, declaring that the Chinese communist party is satanic. It
shows extreme hatred towards the Chinese government. When I asked to take a picture of
these women they said of course but they did not want their faces to show. It made me
extremely happy that these women were standing up for what they truly believed in, even
in such a traditional chinese impacted environment.

6. • This is a picture of one of Chinatown’s most famous restaurants.
Unfortunately it closed in December of last year, but this place has
been a tourist attraction for more than 45 years. I approached an
owner of a clothing store and asked if he had ever been to the
restaurant, and his american born son told me that there were only
two words to describe the place “decaying opulence”.

7. • This is the Chinatown Kite Shop. The owners told
me that it has been open since 1969., and yes it is
a family-owned shop. From what I noticed hey
specialized in many different kinds of kite
designs, from traditional Chinese handmade silk
butterfly kites to Winnie the Pooh diamond kites.
One thing I learned was that they even made
sports kites. Not only do they sell kites but they
also sell lion dance costumes for Chinese New
Year.

8. • As I was walking around I noticed all around me that there were lanterns, and of course I had to ask
around because I was curious as to what they meant. I learned that Chinese lanterns are considered
to be the earliest of all portable lighting devices and that they are used today for celebrations and
holidays. They were believed to ward off evil spirits. Chinese lanterns uphold centuries old
traditions. They are made of paper. One woman told me that their elaborate designs bring the past
and the present together.

9. • This mural appealed to me and instantly grabbed my
attention. I see Music, culture, history, and darkness. I see
men wearing the same attire. Murals are a way of
expression and someone specifically wanted to make a
powerful point in my opinion, and achieved this by making
beautiful artwork.

10. • When I saw the street sign say Sacramento, I immediately had to
take a picture. In The Joy Luck Club one of the characters lives on
this street. It struck me in the face when I realized how
beautifully cultural everything around me was. The streets are
very crowded, and the environment was so diverse and
comforting.