You can see all the way to China on the 3rd floor of the Hilton inside this cultural center, which hosts exhibits of traditional Chinese arts, including China's leading brush-painters; Xian Rui (Fresh & Sharp) cutting-edge art installations, recently featuring Stella Zhang's ethereal indoor sails and discomfiting toothpick-studded pillows; and a new 'Art at Night' series showcasing Chinese-inspired art, jazz and food. In odd-numbered years, don't miss the Present Tense Biennial, where 30-plus Bay Area artists are invited to give their personal takes on Chinese culture.

For more first-hand experiences of Chinese culture, check the center's schedule for upcoming concerts, hands-on arts workshops for adults and children, Mandarin classes, genealogy services, arts festivals in Chinatown's historic alleyways and Chinatown Heritage Walking Tours.