Historical Alley
Shanghai Alley (map)

Between 1890-1920, early Chinese immigrants settled in what was known as Shanghai Alley and Canton Alley. By 1890, Shanghai Alley was home to more than 1,000 Chinese residents. Much of the community's activities and entertainment evolved around a 500 seat Chinese theatre built in 1898.

Canton Alley was created in 1904 as a Chinese style courtyard surrounded by two parallel rows of buildings running South from Pender Street. The Alleys were the convergence of vibrant nightlife, opera music, shopping, political and cultural activities.

From information gleaned through old newspapers, personal records and historical documents, a team of experts, historians and researchers prepared 8 panels detailing the history of the Alleys. Panels depict notable figures such as Yip Sang, Won Cum Yow, Dr. Sun Yat Sen and the once vibrant Sing Kew Theatre.