Drawing America's Chinatowns
See how artist Sammy Yuen uses art to draw attentions to Chinatowns in the United States.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is working to support the preservation of America's Chinatowns. Sign our petition today to commit to the cultural preservation of America’s Chinatowns for future generations
Sammy Yuen by Chase YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
These pieces tell part of the story of Chinatowns
Chinatowns come in many different shapes and sizes but one thing they all have in common is they symbolize the American Dream. My hope is that these drawings educate, inspire, and empower us by creating conversation and community.
Yu and Me Books (2021) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
The First Female-owned Asian American bookstore in Manhattan
Yu and Me Books opened in the December of 2021 and quickly became a pillar of the community. Lucy Yu’s goal is to provide a place where authors and readers can amplify minority stories. I donated this drawing to Lucy in December of 2021 to support her and her mission.
Chatham-Kimlau Square (2022) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
Home to Many Incredible Immigrant Stories
Chatham-Kimlau Square is where my father first immigrated to America. He is from Canton, China and was separated from his mother in World War II at the tender age of six.
He was able travel to Hong Kong where he grew up with his uncle. He eventually got on an ocean liner and sailed around the world. When the ship docked in New York City he got off and never got back on.
Jing Fong Restaurant (2022) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
Food: An Integral Part of Chinatown
Jing Fong is no exception. It opened in 1978 on Elizabeth Street, and once held the title of Manhattan’s largest dim sum/banquet hall. The restaurant sat nearly 800 people.
It was the setting for weddings and large events when not serving dim sum. Following a closure due to COVID-19, Jing Fong reopened on Center Street with its third-generation owner.
Atlanta Chinatown (2024) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
One of the Newer Chinatowns in the United States
Atlanta Chinatown is one of the newer Chinatowns in America, and one of the only ones in the South. It is a commercial Chinatown meaning no one lives there but it is where they gather for businesses.
The mall is guarded by two Foo Dogs or guardian lions. The female lion on the left protects the people inside, the male one on the right protects the structure. Foo Dogs are seen at many Chinese establishments around the world.
Friendship Archway (2024) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
The Largest Chinatown Gate
The largest Chinatown Gate is in Washington, D.C. and is called the Friendship Archway. It was built in 1985 and it stands 47 feet and 7 inches tall, and 75 feet wide. It cost a million dollars to build.
It was designed to attract visitors to the area to boost foot traffic for local businesses and to support the community. Unfortunately, development in the area has made property values skyrocket and displaced many of the residents.
Ping Tom Park (2023) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
Commemorating a Community
The pagoda pavilion at Ping Tom Park in Chicago, Illinois was established in 1991 to commemorate the Chinatown community. It was later named after community leader Mr. Ping Tom in 1998.
It runs along the Chicago River and is home to many recreational activities for people of all ages like bike riding, kayaking, and Tai Chi.
Nine Dragon Wall (2024) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
A Symbol of Strength and Selflessness
The Nine Dragon Wall in Chicago, Illinois, is one of three dragon walls that exist outside of Beijing Forbidden City. 2024 is the year of the Dragon; the dragon itself is a symbol of both strength and selflessness. The nine dragons on the wall represent Yang: growth & expansion.
The wall was brought to Chicago by Raymond Lee who immigrated to America when he was 15 and worked at a tofu factory before achieving the American dream.
Pui Tak Center (2023) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
Serving Immigrants Starting a New Life
The On Leong Merchant Association Building, now called Pui Tak Center, was completed in 1928. This historic landmark's pagoda shaped towers and terra cotta using Chinese motifs marks Chinatown's presence in Chicago.
Along with its architectural importance, the building has always been used to serve immigrants as they begin a new life in the United States.
Milk Bottle Cafe (2023) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
Asian District Along Route 66
The landmarked Milk Bottle Grocery Store along Route 66 in the present-day Asian District in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, first opened in 1930.
This triangle-shaped grocery store with an iconic milk bottle has been home to many businesses, including Saigon Baguette in the 2010s, reflecting the surrounding neighborhood where many Vietnamese immigrants settled after the Vietnam war.
International District Neon Sign (Imagined) (2023) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
Visualizing Signage In Albuquerque, New Mexico
Drawing of an imagined neon sign I envisioned for the International District on Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Home to many Asian American businesses, the International District is visually disconnected from Route 66...
...due to a noticeable lack of iconic neon signage that is a distinctive and common feature of Route 66 elsewhere. A neon sign could direct travelers to this Asian American neighborhood and help the businesses.
The Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles (2023) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
The Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles
CAMLA was established in 2003, and located in the historic Garnier Building, one of the last standing buildings of Old Chinatown before the neighborhood was demolished to build Union Station Passenger Terminal in 1933-1938.
CAMLA is dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the experiences and contributions of Chinese Americans in the United States through quality exhibitions, programs, events, publications, and workshops.
Dim Sum (2024) by Sammy YuenNational Trust for Historic Preservation
When someone mentions Chinatown...
... it takes me back to my childhood and trips to Boston’s Chinatown for dim sum with my family. If I close my eyes, I can imagine the sweet-smelling egg tarts going by on the food carts and my father asking the waiter to put a plate of them on our table.
For more about Sammy Yuen's work visit sammyyuen.com. Follow him on Instagram @sammynycart
Read an interview with Sammy Yuen about his project Shared Lines, a series of line drawings documenting sites related to Asian and Pacific Islander American heritage along Route 66.
Learn more about the National Trust for Historic Preservation's America's Chinatowns initiative.
