Chinatown – Past, Present and Future

Migration from China to Britain started up in the 1800s, but why? And what became of it? How were they welcomed and how did popular culture affect the lives and perception of Chinese migrants? 20th century Chinatown became home to some of the first multi-racial families in Britain, but what was life like as a British-born Chinese? And why did the Chinese community move from Limehouse to Soho in the 50s and 60s? Today, Chinese takeaways are among the most popular in Britain, but how has the Chinese community of Chinatown succeeded so well in influencing British food culture over the years?

Join Hi Ching Lin, an oral historian and founder of the Anglo Asiatic Arts and Heritage Alliance (AAAHA), as he traverses the history of Chinese immigration to London. His one-hour talk will shed light on the stories of the Chinese migrants and help to enrich your understanding of the vibrant community and Chinatown today.

Find out about Limehouse Chinatown and the myths abound, the catalyst for and the transition to today's Chinatown in Soho, and discover Chinatown's importance as a key element of London's multiculturalism, including its role in the global human movement and the popularity of Chinese takeaway cuisine in Britain, plus Chinatown's present-day challenges, on September 12th.

This is a free event.