One of skateboarding's most iconic street spots is officially gone.
The famous pedestrian bridge at Portsmouth Square in San Francisco's Chinatown, better known to skateboarders as "China Banks," has now been torn down as part of the Portsmouth Square Improvement Project.
What was once a simple concrete walkway became one of the most respected skate spots in the world, attracting generations of skateboarders for more than four decades.
As demolition crews completed the removal of the bridge, many local skaters stopped by to witness the final day of a place that played a huge role in skateboarding history. For longtime locals, it was more than just a skate spot.
It was where countless sessions, friendships, and unforgettable video parts came to life.
China Banks first entered skateboarding history in 1979 after local skateboarder Mike "Arco" Archimedes recognized that the steep concrete banks beneath the bridge could be skated.
Long before street skateboarding became what it is today, the unique layout offered something completely different from traditional skateparks, helping turn the location into a destination for skaters from around the world.
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China Banks appeared in countless skateboard magazines, videos, and photo sequences for many years. Professional and amateur skateboarders traveled to San Francisco to test themselves on the steep banks, rough ground, and technical lines that made the spot so respected throughout the skateboarding community.
The bridge also became part of San Francisco's rich skateboarding history alongside legendary locations like Embarcadero and Fort Miley. Its influence stretched far beyond California, with many international visitors making sure a session at China Banks was part of every skate trip to the city.
The decision to remove the bridge came after years of planning for improvements to Portsmouth Square.
According to the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, 77 percent of Chinatown residents supported removing the structure because it blocked sunlight and occupied valuable public space.
City officials say the demolition creates approximately 20,000 additional square feet that will be used for a larger and more accessible neighborhood park.
Although the bridge has disappeared, its place in skateboarding history remains secure. Decades of legendary video parts, magazine coverage, and unforgettable sessions have ensured that China Banks will always be remembered as one of the most influential street spots ever skated.
The concrete may be gone, but its legacy will continue through the footage, photographs, and memories created there over the last four decades.
Talkin Schmit Posted:
"🦺🧨#CHINABANKS | THERE SHE BLOWS ⛩️🍻🧡🖤'