New Chinatown Tour Reveals Hidden History and Aims to Revive the Neighborhood
Chinatown, MANHATTAN — Beneath the glowing lanterns and bustling storefronts of Mott Street lies a history many don’t know: a time when gangs like the Flying Dragons ruled these blocks. Now, Chinatown Legacy Tours is shedding light on that hidden past through the voices of those who lived it.
This walking tour was founded by Roger Lee, a longtime journalist who grew up in the neighborhood. The tour isn’t about glorifying gang culture. Instead, it’s about reclaiming Chinatown’s narrative and bringing back businesses.
“Oftentimes when people talk about that era, it’s often people that aren’t from the community, that don’t have the lived experience of growing up during that time,” Lee said.
From the 1970s to the 1990s, gangs such as the Flying Dragons and Born to Kill dominated Manhattan’s Chinatown underworld. Shootouts, assaults, and violence were part of daily life.
The experience features a former NYPD officer who helped federal agents take down gangs and even former gang members themselves.
For them, revisiting this history is emotional. Many cases remain unsolved, leaving families without closure.
“Somebody gets killed in Central Park, and there are 50 detectives assigned to the case. When somebody got killed in Chinatown, it was usually one or two detectives,” said Michael Lau, former commanding officer of the fifth precinct. “They never got the same amount of resources.”
For others, the tour reveals a side of Chinatown they never knew.
“I thought it was super cool and really eye-opening. You never know the history behind the streets you’re walking on,” said Erica Jeans, a participant who compared the experience to a true crime documentary.
Organizers hope that awareness leads to greater representation and support for the neighborhood.
“We are underrepresented in government,” said tour guide Bernice Pfluger. “I think it’d be great for political leaders to come here and see we’re a big part of this city. We want to be more involved.”
“The community has always been resilient,” added Roger Lee. “We’re always going to fight for our voices to be heard.”
Jennifer Gan is from Nanjing, China, and covers Arts and Culture for City Newsroom. She has experience in broadcast reporting and obtained a dual degree in Journalism and Psychology before coming to J-school.
