What is the history of the temples on Waverly Place?

The Tin How Temple, the oldest surviving Taoist temple in San Francisco, was first built here in 1852. Due to 19th-century racist planning restrictions, temples and family associations were built atop businesses like laundries, barber shops, and restaurants.

What is 'On Waverly'?

Opened in 2023 at 162 Waverly Place, On Waverly is a community space, bookstore, and gift shop that highlights Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian creators.

What are the hours for On Waverly?

On Waverly is open Monday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How do I get to Waverly Place?

It is located in San Francisco's Chinatown between Grant Avenue and Stockton Street. It is a two-block walk from the Chinatown-Rose Pak Muni Station.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Waverly Place in San Francisco

Q: What is Waverly Place known for?

Considered the soul of Chinatown, Waverly Place is known for its family-run businesses and colorful temple balconies. It is also the namesake of a lead character in Amy Tan's novel The Joy Luck Club.

Waverly Place

Known as the soul of Chinatown, Waverly Place is a historic byway home to the city's oldest Taoist temple and unique architecture born from 19th-century urban restrictions.

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What to know

Waverly Place is often described as the soul of San Francisco's Chinatown, offering a stark contrast to the tourist-heavy Grant Avenue. Situated between Grant Avenue and Stockton Street, this street is characterized by family-run businesses and colorful temple balconies. It is famously the namesake of a lead character in Amy Tan's novel The Joy Luck Club. The street's unique vertical architecture is a result of racist planning restrictions from the 19th century. Because the community had no room to expand outward, family associations and temples were built directly atop existing barber shops, laundries, and restaurants. This layering creates a distinct skyline where spiritual spaces hover over commercial ones. At 125 Waverly Place stands the Tin How Temple, the oldest surviving Taoist temple in San Francisco. First built in 1852, temple services have continued here even after the original structure was destroyed during the 1906 earthquake and fire. The current temple was opened following that disaster, maintaining a spiritual presence that has lasted over 170 years. Modern community life continues to thrive here. In 2023, On Waverly opened at 162 Waverly Place as a bookstore, gift shop, and community space. This venue highlights Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian creators and hosts local makers and authors. Additionally, the street is home to the Clarion Performing Arts Center at 2 Waverly Place, which serves as the only children's theater in Chinatown.

Visitor tips

Visit On Waverly between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to browse books and gifts from AAPIN creators.
Look up at the upper stories of the buildings to see the temples and associations built above the shops.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the area is a 'walker's paradise' with a walk score of 100.

Nearby context

Waverly Place serves as a quiet, cultural artery between the commercial bustle of Grant Avenue and the residential grocery hubs of Stockton Street. It is located just a two-block walk from the Chinatown-Rose Pak Muni Station and is adjacent to local spots like the Moongate Lounge and Hang Ah Tea Room.

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