Chinatowns: Tong Yan Gaai by Morris Lum

In a stunning visual journey, Lum reveals how Chinatowns across North America are defined by both their evolving architecture and their rich cultural identity

Published with WORK BOOK.

Over the past decade, Chinese Canadian photographer Morris Lum (born 1983) has embarked on an extensive exploration of the Chinatown communities scattered across Canada and the United States. Focusing on the architecture and evolution of these enclaves, Lum delves into how "Chinese" identity is shaped and expressed through their structures. Using a large-format camera, he has captured Chinatowns in cities such as Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City and Boston. Through his objective lens, Lum chronicles the rapid transformations these communities face, documenting the shifting architectural and economic landscapes. His colorful photographs offer a poignant visual record, spotlighting both historical and modern-day cultural landmarks-small family-owned businesses, iconic Chinese restaurants and vital community organizations-that define these neighborhoods.