Chinatowns are common in some US cities. In the mid-19th century, they【T1】________ the west coast from San Diego, California to

Chinatowns are common in some US cities. In the mid-19th century, they spread along the west coast from San Diego, California to Victoria, British Columbia. Today, Chinatowns are found in major US cities, New York, Boston and Chicago, to name just three. The Chinatown in San Francisco, California is said to be the oldest in North America, and the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Its estimated population is more than 100,000 residents. About 20,000 Chinese and Chinese Americans are packed into a three-by-eight-block rectangle. Chinatown is the most densely populated neighborhood in the city and one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the United States. Few places in America carry as much history in such a small location in San Francisco’s Chinatown. It is the closest thing to China in the US, drawing more than 7 million tourists a year to its streets. One major tourist attraction is Grand Avenue. At Grand Avenue and Bush Street, a pagoda arch spans the intersection, which is the only authentic Chinatown gate in North America. Another major attraction is Stockton Street, which still presents an authentic Chinese look and feel, with its fish markets, stores, and restaurants. A major focal point in Chinatown is Portsmouth Square, known as the heart of Chinatown, where tourists can see tai chi and old men playing Chinese chess.