Ross Alley, San Francisco
Ross Alley is one of the oldest alleys in Chinatown, stretching a single block between Jackson and Washington Streets. Originally known for its association with gambling parlors and brothels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it has since transformed into a quieter pedestrian passage with historic significance. The alley retains much of its original layout and architecture, with narrow brick buildings and overhead balconies that reflect the layered history of the neighborhood.
A notable landmark along Ross Alley is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, established in 1962. Visitors can observe the traditional method of hand-folding fortune cookies and even purchase custom messages. The factory remains one of the few places where this craft is still practiced in a small, open workspace, attracting both tourists and locals interested in witnessing a unique part of culinary tradition.
Ross Alley has also gained recognition as a film location, having appeared in major productions such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Big Trouble in Little China, and The Karate Kid Part II. Its narrow layout, atmospheric lighting, and authentic surroundings have made it a frequent choice for capturing scenes set in Chinatown.
Today, the alley serves as a quiet walking route with subtle historical markers and occasional art installations. While less commercial than surrounding streets, it offers a glimpse into the everyday environment of Chinatown, where traces of past and present continue to coexist.
A notable landmark along Ross Alley is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, established in 1962. Visitors can observe the traditional method of hand-folding fortune cookies and even purchase custom messages. The factory remains one of the few places where this craft is still practiced in a small, open workspace, attracting both tourists and locals interested in witnessing a unique part of culinary tradition.
Ross Alley has also gained recognition as a film location, having appeared in major productions such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Big Trouble in Little China, and The Karate Kid Part II. Its narrow layout, atmospheric lighting, and authentic surroundings have made it a frequent choice for capturing scenes set in Chinatown.
Today, the alley serves as a quiet walking route with subtle historical markers and occasional art installations. While less commercial than surrounding streets, it offers a glimpse into the everyday environment of Chinatown, where traces of past and present continue to coexist.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Francisco. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Ross Alley on Map
Sight Name: Ross Alley
Sight Location: San Francisco, USA (See walking tours in San Francisco)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Francisco, USA (See walking tours in San Francisco)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Francisco, California
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