San Francisco Chinatown prepares for neighborhood revitalization ahead of APEC summit
November 7, 2023
In preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) global trade summit in San Francisco, local businesses are organizing a series of events to engage their community and welcome APEC attendees.
Revitalizing the neighborhood: San Francisco’s Chinatown, which has faced economic challenges due to the pandemic, hopes to revitalize its neighborhood with increased tourism. The city is currently addressing security concerns, traffic lane closures and a need to improve its image amid negative headlines. Concerns exist that these disruptions may deter visitors. To combat this, the city is organizing various events and promotional efforts in collaboration with San Francisco’s production studio.
“We’re basically trying to change the myth we’re trying to tell people, don’t believe everything you hear. Come down and visit us and see what we’re doing,” Steven Lee, the owner of three businesses in Chinatown, told ABC7.
“Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinatowns in America. It has such a rich history. It remains extremely vibrant. We just want to showcase that to everyone,” Jenny Leung, executive director of the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, added.
Upcoming events: The events include a night market, media tours, after-parties, walking tours and an art block party.
On Nov. 10 and 11, the Night Market, which will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., will feature more than 20 small businesses to showcase their specialty food and drinks. APEC Attendees can also enjoy the Korean Wine and Art Social at Bluestream Gallery and Wines on Nov. 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. as well as the media tour boasting the city’s legacy and new restaurants on Nov. 15.
The APEC 2023 after party will be held at Lion’s Den on Nov. 16. On the 17th, the “Disco YES! Chinatown Art Block Party” will be held at 800 Grant Avenue from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The party — a collaboration between Chinese Culture Center SF and Edge on the Square — will reportedly feature a local DJ, dance performances and locally based artists Bijun Liang and Hou Youmei, Grant Avenue Follies and LionDanceMe.
About APEC: APEC is an inter-governmental forum for the member economies in the Pacific Rim that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. As many as 30,000 individuals may be present during the APEC event.
Over the span of one week, the summit will gather numerous heads of state, foreign officials and corporate leaders in San Francisco, accompanied by stringent security measures. Local leaders of the city are determined to showcase Chinatown’s cultural vibrancy and resilience during the APEC summit.
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