China Bazaar

So we used to come here as a family when I was 6 – 12 years old. We would either be going to Chinese new years, which back then was much easier to manage, or we would eat at the Empress of China restaurant, which has been gone now for some years The building is in the process of being sold so the shops-​vendors inside are in closing «sale» mode. Sad to see the loss and I hope that who ever the new owner is will keep the character of what was once the center– hub of downtown China Town.
The building still has shrouds of its former glory, dusty, some in disrepair, but there none the less. The ladies inside push «souvenirs», nick nacks, and jewelry.
I enjoyed the memories, bought something 80% off and said a sad farewell.

As an artist and designer working on my first project for my portfolio, two things become prominently apparent and relevant to me … I need to adhere to a budget and find resources that also offer cool unique things!
This is by far one of my favorite shops to visit in Chinatown because it offers the two aforementioned things!
My favorite items used to be the many mini adorable dish-​ware … Now I love finding miniature size faux animals, statues, and figurines at a great price!
Thank you to the lady downstairs who was really nice to me!

If you come to Chinatown and only visit one shop, make this that one shop for sure, it’s awesome here. The first time I walked in here I was impressed by how much cool stuff they are able to pack into this shop, it truly is the exact definition of what a baazar should be, and it’s great that everything is super cheap in price. They carry everything in this store, I’ve bought clothing, toys, home goods, and even fireworks here. I guarantee that you will love this place if you stop in and that you most likely will not leave empty handed.

Had to get our Hello Kitty on… pencil case, wallet, coin purse, stickers. Store clerk upstairs (teenage boy) didn’t take his eyes off us & followed us through the aisles, which made us rush to get out. Weird vibe, not a welcoming place to shop.

They sell a Qing Dynasty coin set here. VERY COOL!!!
Definitely a silly but cool tourist thing to buy. =)

This store is now known as Bargain Bazaar. It’s a great store that has a lot of beautiful items. From dream catchers to to toys to kitchen ware. The sales people are very nice. The store has 3 floors of items.

Touristy and full of the same cheapo souvenir stuff you see in most of the stores in Grant. And that’s okay, if you want to spend a little money for the trinkets to bring home. It’s fun and cheesy and that’s ok.

Next door to Old Shanghai is it’s trailer park cousin, China Bazaar. They sell some of the same trinkets you see at Old Shanghai for a fraction of the cost. What I’m really raving about is the toy section upstairs. They carry a lot of vinyl figurines that you see at the trading card shows at the mall. They also have authentic Hello Kitty merchandise but I think those are getting phased out (HK items are 50% off). I didn’t see anything I needed from Hello Kitty so I didn’t pick up anything. I did get some little cell phone charms (bells shaped like a gold fish and teddy bear!) for 99 cents each. That’s a pretty good price.
Downstairs was closed. It looked like it was a storage area so I think they did away with the swords and whatnot. These places are owned by the same people who sell trinkets along Grant Ave so maybe they consolidated their merchandise to a less divey store. At least it was when I was a teenager and they were looking for summer help (one application goes to all stores).

Souvenirs, souvenirs, some junk, some awesome treasures. And all for very cheap. Any Chinese trinkets or gadgets you can think of ranging from magnets, slippers, tea sets, weapons, costumes, kitchen appliances, clothing, and more. It’s a great place to stop by when in the Chinatown area.

6÷11÷11
Love this place! And all the neat trinkets but also authentic Sanrio items they have. not the ugly knockoff Hello kitty items u see around chinatown.

3.5 stars
Right across the street from Canton Bazaar is another large 3-​level shop, China Bazaar. I rate it a little lower than Canton because China tends to get a LOT more crowded… I was just there on the day of the Chinese New Year Parade and I could barely walk through the place.
Upstairs is a toy shop/​novelty and joke shop.
Downstairs (though I haven’t checked it out myself) says it’s swords, weapons and more valuable stuff.
The ground floor is aaaall the Chinatown brick-​a-​brack: folding fans, umbrellas, toy swords, Chinese hats, toys, small decoratives, and the multitude of «SF» souvenir items. Plus the ground floor has wigs now! They had a rainbow of crazy colored wigs on display *squee* so I’m guessing China Bazaar is getting more cosplay customers nowadays.

Yes, the toy store on the 2^nd floor is what makes this. place. awesome. I mean, it’s a pretty hugely expansive selection of figurines, lotsa Hello Kitty stuff, and I did see some Super Mario Brothers figurines (+5 points for that alone). I’m glad I made the extra effort to check out what’s on the 2^nd floor — what a treat!

Great place for small gifts & divider screens for apartment living in the city. Lots of selections. And wigs too! (hah) I originally went to this place looking for plant pots, but only found chinese looking ones. I am looking for something a little more plain. :(Bummer!
But, it’s touristy with lots of mugs & shot glasses for sale. (For Sanrio stuff there is a better store down grant (closer to Columbus).

Definite tourist hot spot that is fun yet efficient. You’ll find a huge collection of Sanrio Hello Kitty Collection which I love love love. I think its the closest thing you’ll find in SF to an actual Sanrio store… or Japan, anyway.
Looks like they have a sweet collection of wigs, too. Staff rocks and are super friendly and sweet. Bought 2 Hello Kitty watches here. Will be returning for their Hello Kitty purse collection. God bless Hello Kitty and this store.

I really dislike coming to Chinatown. Every time a never-​met relative comes into town, I end up in Chinatown upon their request.
On the other hand, I would consider this place to be one of the better places to shop for cheap «made in china» products in Chinatown. Just a few days ago, I took my parents here to get some gongs for my Aunty who is becoming a Shaman. Prices are affordable and if someone tries to sell you one for over $ 300, that’s BS!
What’s disappointing to me was the fact that if you parked in the garage, you wont get a validation here. We spent over 60 dollars and then they tell me they don’t validate. Yes, I’m cheap and was an unhappy shopping guide.
Hey store owners, if you are reading this –you should really get a validation machine considering the amount of people that come here to shop.

Why is the Michelle Obama action figure four dollars cheaper than the Barack Obama action figure? Have we not evolved as a global society to view our public figures as equals in the eyes of plastics manufacturers in Taiwan? Well, maybe it’s because Barack is dressed inexplicably in a gold Elvis suit — while Michelle is in her simple Donna Ricco sundress without her famed toned arms (see photo). I guess Barack is the King.
There certainly isn’t a lack of souvenirs to be found when taking a stroll down Grant Avenue in Chinatown, but China Bazaar stands out for having the tackiest and often most hilarious merchandise in the ‘hood. That’s high praise in my book. Their balls-​to-​the-​walls approach is certainly a contrast to the more expensive silk lanterns and jade statues you can get elsewhere. And yet, this is the one I always browse. Where else could I get a solar-​powered geisha-​gal bobble-​head to adorn my bathroom (see photo)? I’m sure my guests stare at it with envy as they’re doing their business.

Came here 12÷27÷09 at about 6pm. I like this place, they have lots of cheap useless trinkets/​nick nacks that you can give away as presents.
Found a basketball sized red wooden frog for $ 20 about 2 years ago. Didn’t buy it the first time I saw it go on sale and the next day it was gone. So buy when you see somthing good go on sale.
Bought a pack of a@@hole drinking card game for $ 1 marked down from $ 6. Used the souvenir machine thing outside to smash a Pennie.

This place is just too much fun. I came in here in search of a tea set and came out dazzled and amused by what Chinatown has to offer.
The main floor consists of the usual souvenir-​fair such as mugs, frames, mini-​Buddhas, Lucky Men, Alcatraz shot glasses, and Bruce Lee action figures. The lower floor offers some display swords, tea sets, vases, and nude playing cards.
It was great just wandering around the place looking at the randomness and comedic possibilities. The prices here are more than fair to boot. I was able to find a great ceramic tea set for 15 bucks. I would say that this is a great place for hidden treasures and hilarious photo-​ops.

If you are souvenir shopping, make sure to stop by here. They have plenty of odd knickknacks and whatnot, and plenty of cool stuff to buy for the kids. You can get lost in here for hours.
There are 3 levels. The bottom floor is in the basement, and the top floor is upstairs. The middle level leads out to the street.
On the middle level, is the majority of the souvenir worthy stuff. Musical instruments, kids toys, and Oriental knickknacks, are among some of the stuff in here.
The other two levels I’m not too familiar with because I spent all my time on the middle level, and just peeked in and out really quickly. Bottom level has dishes and other things. Top level has really nice Oriental-​styled clothing.

It says —
«1000’s of Unique and Fun Items»
yes they are correct…
and note the nice collection of bobble heads… super cool~