The Forbidden City was one of the first nightlife venues to feature Asian American singers, dancers, chorus lines, magicians, strippers, and musicians, and was entirely managed and staffed by Asian Americans. It was popular with military personnel who were transiting through San Francisco during World War II, as well as Hollywood celebrities, and became the most well-known venue in a golden age of Chinatown nightlife. Some of the featured entertainers would go on to greater fame after launching their careers at the Forbidden City.