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San Francisco had the first Chinatown on the West Coast, but many others followed, and these days, California, Oregon, Washington and Canada's British Columbia hold many, some old and urban like L.A.'s, others more recent and suburban.

Oakland: Almost as old as San Francisco's and centered on 8th and Webster streets, this Chinatown includes about a dozen blocks, where those with southern Chinese roots have been joined by other Asian immigrants.

Honolulu: This Chinatown had 5,000 residents by 1884, suffered a three-day fire in 1886, then rebuilt, only to gradually devolve into a crime-ridden district. Since the early 1990s, night life and art galleries have burgeoned. The 15-block district's center is at North Hotel and Maunakea streets.

Seattle: Seattle's first Chinatown was moved to make room for another civic project. Now known as the Chinatown International District — ID for short — the area lies south of downtown on reclaimed tidal flats, neighbored by other Asian immigrant communities. It measures about six blocks by eight, bordered by Yesler Way to the north and Dearborn Avenue to the south.

Vancouver: This Chinatown claims to be North America's second- biggest, topped only by San Francisco's. It dates to the late 19th century and is centered at Pender and Main streets, with the Millennial Gate serving as the entrance on Pender. Apart from markets, restaurants and a museum, banners mark a "silk road" walking route.