When the China Trade Center opened at 868 Grant in 1966 it was a super chic destination that attracted tourists, locals, and celebrities alike. The building was famous for housing the now defunct Empress of China Restaurant that offered sweeping views of the bay and an amazing interior.
The years took their toll on the building and lately its star hasn’t shined so brightly. The rundown building was put up for sale last year and many of the commercial tenants are now gone. However, one of the longtime tenants, Chong Imports, is still open but its future is not certain: the building is up for sale and is intended to be sold for redevelopment as office space.
Chong Imports occupies the first floor of the China Trade Center, which is ground level if you enter from Walter U Lum Place, or downstairs if you enter from Grant. They have been in operation since the building opened and the place is filled with amazing dead stock souvenirs from the '60s and '70s. It is a great place to buy gifts or mementos or just to peer into Chinatown’s glamorous past.
Below are some of my favorite finds, feel free to add to the list in the comments section.
Vintage paper lanterns and garland
1960s wooden animals
Vintage hardware
1960s model car toys by the case (or 2 for $1.00!)
Alabaster and abalone shell resin tabletops and a selection of folding table bases
Super rad vintage lamps
Dead stock vintage books!
Tons of vintage housewares
Huge selection of vintage novelty greeting cards
The place is full of treasures to discover.
Got a tip for The Bold Italic? Email tips@thebolditalic.com.