This was published 4 years ago
The battle over the soul of Chinatown
Everywhere you look in Chinatown, shopfronts are shuttered and revered restaurants are calling time on the torpor of the past two years. However Sydneysiders have been returning to Chinatown in droves since lockdown ended, particularly for yum cha after reports of the Marigold’s pending closure. But is it too late to revive some of the district's institutions?
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One of the laneways off Darling Square which is a newer area of Chinatown.Credit:Edwina Pickles
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Dixon Street in Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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Economic recovery won’t bring back the businesses that have already closed and there’s a question over what will replace them. Howin Chui, the owner of three Hong Kong-style, neon-lit premises - including Kowloon Cafe in the heart of Chinatown and Kowloon Stir Fry King and Ni Hao Bar in the CBD a few blocks from Haymarket - says even when new businesses open, they are not necessarily authentic.Credit:Steven Siewert
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The famous Marigold Restaurant Yum Cha, in Chinatown Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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A shop in the old part of Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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Billy Wong, from XOPP by Golden Century. His family closed the Golden Century on Sussex Street after 32 years but XOPP at the new Darling Square is buzzing. They have many of the classics from the Golden Century menu like the XO pippies.Credit:Steven Siewert
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Restaurants in a newer area of Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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Girls taking pictures in a newer area of Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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A streetscape reflected in windows of a building in the older area of Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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A classic restaurant in Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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Closed businesses in Sydney's Chinatown, which struggled to survive the pandemic lockdowns and border restrictions.Credit:Steven Siewert
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People bustle in a new area of Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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A bubble tea shop in Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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A classic restaurant in the old area of Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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Closed shops in Chinatown, which has struggled greatly in the pandemic with lockdowns and closed borders.Credit:Steven Siewert
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Customers return to Chinatown, Sydney.Credit:Steven Siewert
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A delivery driver in a new area of Chinatown.Credit:Steven Siewert
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Darling Square, next to Chinatown, is buzzing with people.Credit:Edwina Pickles
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Dixon Street Chinatown, which has struggled to survive the pandemic restrictions.Credit:Steven Siewert
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Buzzing restaurants in Chinatown, Sydney, as customers slowly return.Credit:Steven Siewert