From Sfchronicle · · 2m
New Chinatown in Bayview
A historically Black San Francisco neighborhood has become home to a growing Chinese community, creating a new Chinatown.
In brief
A historically Black San Francisco neighborhood has become home to a growing Chinese community, creating a new Chinatown. San Francisco's Bayview-Hunters Point now has 27% Chinese residents, forming a new Chinatown after decades of Black residents leaving. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
Phong Duc Yen opens Chinese store
Phong Duc Yen opened a Chinese grocery store on San Francisco’s San Bruno Avenue in 1991 selling chicken feet, bean sauce and bok choy.
Yen builds community
Yen’s daughter Elaine Chan said his father had a vision for building a community through Chinese businesses.
Bayview Chinese population grows
Bayview-Hunters Point has 27% Chinese residents based on U.S. census data from 2020 to 2024, the most recent numbers available.
Portola Chinese population rises
The neighboring Portola neighborhood has almost 46% Chinese residents, the highest in San Francisco.
San Bruno Avenue becomes Chinese hub
Most shops along San Bruno Avenue are now Chinese-owned with bakeries selling pineapple and pork floss buns.
Black residents leave Bayview
Many longtime Black residents have left Bayview-Hunters Point as housing prices rose and Chinese families moved in.
Tensions rise between communities
In 2020, a Chinese man was attacked by multiple Black men after collecting recyclables in Bayview.
“I hate Asians”
2022 electoral district changes
San Francisco redrew electoral districts in 2022, combining Portola with Bayview, sparking backlash from Black community members.
Community leaders work on unity
Local nonprofits host joint Lunar New Year and Black History Month celebrations with lion dancers and African musicians.
Florence Fang Community Farm
Chinese immigrants and Black residents grow food side by side at Florence Fang Community Farm.
Rise University Preparatory
Rise University Preparatory serves 87 students with 80% low-income, first-generation college students.
Elaine Chan closes Imperial Garden
Elaine Chan will soon shutter her father’s dim sum spot, Imperial Garden, after 31 years.
Bayview housing affordability
Bayview housing prices remain well below San Francisco averages but saw a 146% spike from 2010 to 2024.
Gordon Gee moves to Bayview
Gordon Gee bought a house in Bayview-Hunters Point for $42,000 in 1980 after working as a busboy for $1 an hour.
Benjamin Bowser’s research
Benjamin Bowser, a sociology professor at Cal State East Bay, found Chinese households settling in Bayview east of Third Street in 1988.
Susan Liang moves to Bayview
Susan Liang moved to Bayview in 2018 after buying a townhouse in a new development in the old Naval Shipyard.
The big picture
San Francisco's Bayview-Hunters Point now has 27% Chinese residents, forming a new Chinatown after decades of Black residents leaving.
