Soul Of Chinatown Is Turning Years Of Community Storytelling Into A Landmark New Book

Tucked between Central Station and Darling Harbour, Sydney's Chinatown precinct might not always make it to the landmark lists. A stop between stops, it can present as a bit of an enigma to infrequent visitors, sometimes overshadowed by the glossy redevelopment and rapid gentrification of its neighbouring sites.

If you consider yourself an inner-city local, you might recognise the area best from costume shopping at Paddy's Markets, mid-week student feeds at Chinese Noodle House (or Chinese Noodle Restaurant—we aren't taking sides), or piping-hot cream puffs from the Emperor's Garden window.

But Chinatown is infinitely more diverse than the handful of cult mainstream spots Sydney's more Westernised communities tend to stick to, something Soul Of Chinatown has spent the past five years championing.

"Soul Of Chinatown represents all different generations of Chinatown, from the glory days of yesteryear and the tough times during COVID-19, but also now its revival and growth," co-founder Kevin Cheng tells Urban List.

"It’s important to recognise and reflect on Chinatown’s history, but also to keep building its community and story for the present and future."

The organisation functions as a non-profit community group based in Sydney’s Chinatown, with a mission to spotlight the area, preserve its culture, history and traditions, and foster positive change through advocacy, community, events and storytelling.

Founded by Hayden Wong Wing Kee, Kevin Cheng and Peter Wong Wing Kee in 2021, it's an initiative born from a true love for the precinct and its communities, during a time when so many culturally rich corners of Sydney are at risk of being smoothed over.

"Sydney is rapidly losing the identities of its suburbs, where chains are moving in to replace family businesses and sandwich shops are a dime a dozen," he shares.

"I fear for Chinatown’s future with impending development, gentrification and lack of community funding."

"There is a tight-knit community there, whether you own a building, business or just want to visit for some food. These people all share the same pride and love for Chinatown that resonates from more than 100 years of history in this area from the early Chinese-Australians until now."

It comes as little surprise, then, that the latest endeavour from Soul Of Chinatown will take the form of a book.

The project will capture Chinatown at a particular moment in time: in 2026, as the precinct continues to evolve, rebuild and define its next chapter. Bringing together photography, design, visuals and storytelling, the book will give voice to the people who have shaped Chinatown from the inside out.

"There hasn’t been a book like this produced before, where we are incorporating beautiful design, photography and visuals with storytelling that can only be accessed by years spent in the Chinatown community," Kevin says.

For Soul Of Chinatown, the stories behind the shopfronts, restaurants and community spaces are the point. They’re the details easily missed when Chinatown is flattened into a dining destination or a convenient CBD shortcut, and they’re also what makes the precinct feel alive.

"Chinatown is more than just a place for good food," he assures. "It has a thriving and proud community, built on the shoulders of Chinese-Australians and Asian-Australians. It’s our safe haven, our pride and our heartbeat."

"It connects us all to our culture and makes us want to share that with anyone that passes through."

The book hopes to preserve those connections for future generations, capturing the people who built their lives in Chinatown, many of whom have served the community through their businesses for decades.

As development continues to reshape the city around it, Soul Of Chinatown's work is leaning on nostalgia to launch their urgent act of preservation. While Sydney changes constantly, the fear is that Chinatown could one day be changed beyond recognition.

"Chinatown needs to be protected in a sense where its cultural influence and historical value should be nurtured and respected," he attests.

"Our diversity is our strength—there’s no place like it in Sydney."

For now, Soul Of Chinatown is making sure the precinct's story is told by the people who know it best: the business owners, residents, families, visitors and community members whose lives are woven through its streets.

"Everyone has a love for Chinatown and a special relationship to the area," Kevin acknowledges.

"Little anecdotes about how their lives are intertwined in Chinatown, where they met their life partners. Chinatown is the centre of their world, whether it’s work or play. I have loved that."

"It is a living, evolving and thriving community that carries generations of culture, history and tradition," he explains, "but also presents a beacon of hope for Chinese-Australians and Asian-Australians."

Soul Of Chinatown is currently crowdfunding to bring the book to life. To support the project and help preserve the stories of Sydney’s Chinatown, head here.

Image credit: Soul Of Chinatown | Instagram