For about 150 years people have said a maze of tunnels runs under Chinatown, linking opium dens and gambling halls. It is a myth, and it is on this site so you can spot it if a tour guide tries it on you.
The Legend
What Is Actually True
It is a myth, and not a harmless one. SFGATE traces it to tour guides of the late 1800s, who led visitors through ordinary connected cellars under Grant Avenue and told them they were six or seven storeys down, when they were never more than one below the street; some of the “opium den” scenes were staged for tourists. KALW, asking Cameron House and the Chinese Culture Center, found basements, not tunnels, and heard that the rumor still feeds stereotypes about the neighborhood. We include it so you can recognize it if a tour guide tries it on you.
Can You Visit?
There is nothing to visit. Visit Chinatown itself instead: see our Chinatown and North Beach walking day.
Still Unconfirmed
- The story itself. It is a rumor or tale people tell; we found no primary record behind it.
Related
Read the dated history in Chinatown history and our Chinatown and North Beach walking day.
More Legends and History
This is one of 30 stories in San Francisco Local Legends, fact-checked. For the dated record, start at the San Francisco history hub or the timeline.
Sources
- SFGATE, Chinatown Tunnel Myths, read 27 October 2026.
- KALW, Are There Tunnels Under San Francisco’s Chinatown?, read 27 October 2026.
Dates and figures are as the sources state them, read on 27 October 2026.
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Are there tunnels under San Francisco Chinatown?
No. SFGATE and KALW found ordinary basements and cellars, not a tunnel network.
Where did the tunnel story come from?
SFGATE traces it to tour guides of the late 1800s, who told visitors the cellars were six or seven storeys down.
Were the opium dens real?
SFGATE reports that some “opium den” scenes were staged for tourists.
Why does the myth matter?
KALW heard from Cameron House and the Chinese Culture Center that the rumor still feeds stereotypes about the neighborhood.
What should I do in Chinatown instead?
See Chinatown itself; our Chinatown and North Beach walking day is a good start.
More to Explore
Happening Soon
- Treasures of the Pharaohs Sat, Aug 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027 · de Young Museum
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Sat, Sep 12 – Dec 31 · Ferry Building Plaza
- Heart of the City Farmers Market Sun, Sep 13 – Dec 31 · Fulton Plaza, Civic Center
- SF State Observatory Public Nights (Wed–Fri, through Dec 4) Thu, Oct 1 – Dec 4 · SF State Observatory, Thornton Hall
Places to Check Out
- Aquarium of the Bay Attractions
- Asian Art Museum Museums
- Balmy Alley Murals Attractions
- Berggruen Gallery Art Galleries
Cite this page: Project SF, “Chinatown Tunnels Myth: What Is Under Grant Avenue”, projectsf.com/guides/chinatown-tunnels-myth/ (updated ).