tonight the chinatown merchants association held a block party they hope will cast their neighborhoodn a new light. this is the first chinatown nightlife event of its kind. chinatown has been celebrated as a popular spot to eat and shop during the day, but they're hoping to attract more at night. a spokesperson said these events are important to attract locals and visitors back to chinatown, as many business owners have struggled in the wake of the pandemic. >> i'm so excited about the initial excitement that we've been receiving from the community and from san francisco, even people from florida have been like, hey, it looks like chinatown's really happening right now, should i book a plane ticket. i'm like, yeah, come on down. diversity is what is going to draw people back to the city. >> tonight's event also served another purpose. it was raising money for more lanterns for chinatown. merchants hope they will make it a brighter and safer place to be at night. >>> let me see your clap your hands. >> not too far away from chinatown, a big turnout for a party on battery street. the go

. >>> people in chinatown were treated to a spectacle with streets. the merchants g association held a block party that they hope will help cast the neighborhood in a new light. this is the first chinatown night live event. it has been a popular place to eat, shop during the day but event organizers are hoping to attract more people to the bars and restaurants at night. a spokesperson said that these events are important to attract locals and visitors back to chinatown as local businesses have struggled mightily since the pandemic. >> i'm excited about the initial excitement that we are receiving from the community and san francisco. people from florida are like, hey, chinatown is happening right now. should i book a plane ticket. i'm like, yeah, come on down. diversity is what will draw people back to the city. >> last night's event raised money for lanterns in chinatown. they envision a brighter and safer place after dark. >> ♪ let me see you clap your hands, come on ♪ >> not far from chinatown there was a bash on battery street. they transformed the area into a marketplace wi