The new Houston China Town is located in the southwest area of Houston. DIHO SQUARE was the first Chinese owned shopping center built on Bellaire Boulevard in 1983. This shopping center provided 40,000 square feet of space for oriental business owners. It initiated the development of retail and restaurant Businesses on the Bellaire Boulevard.

Background of New Houston China Town

There were about 30,000 of Chinese residence in Houston during that time. Many Chinese emigrated from Taiwan to Houston to start their wholesale and trading businesses. Most wholesale and trading companies moved into the buildings located on Harwin Road. Therefore, the new China Town was formed between Ballaire Boulevard and Harwin Road initially. After almost 20 years of development, the new Houston China Town has expanded ten times bigger than its original size.

The economics of Houston was greatly affected by the energy crisis in the 1980s. However, it did not slow down the development of the new Houston China Town. Many Chinese investors from Taiwan and Hong Kong purchased the lands and buildings around the China Town area and prepared for the recovery of the US economy.

In 1988, the plan for diversifying the Houston economy was successful. The real estate market in this area was booming. Many business enterprises such as Welcome Supermarket, Lucky Apartments started their business. Many private investors like Asia Group started to purchase commercial real estate market such as Hamilton Apartments. Hong Kong opened its new location on Harwin Road. Texas George Realty was enthusiastically involved in the development of the new Houston China Town.

In the middle of 1990s, Dynasty Square and Asia City purchased more properties around this area. The business on Bellaire Boulevard was stimulated and experienced growth rapidly. The new China Town expanded it's boundaries territory from the inside of Beltway 8 to the neighborhoods of Highway 6.

One of the key contributors for the prosperity of the new China Town was the involvement of many banks like Metro Bank, Texas First National Bank, Texas Central Bank, Asian American National Bank, and First Interstate Bank, etc. There are eight American Chinese owned Banks in addition to Chase and Wells Fargo on Bellaire Boulevard. There are ten banks altogether in the central of new China Town. Bellaire Boulevard was recognized as one of the major financial centers in southern Texas.

In addition, there are many associations like the Chinese Culture Center, and religious groups like churches and temples to promote Chinese culture. Many publishers like Southern Chinese News and World Journal provide newspapers and information related services. Over thousands of different businesses contributed the rapid growth of new Houston China Town.
Objectives of Creating China Town Map

The main objectives for creating China Town Map are as follows:

To provide a useful tool for all Chinese living in or coming to Houston: Quite a few of Chinese can only read and speak very limited of English. The China Town Map should provide great assistance for them during the stay in Houston. For example, they may use this map to get directions to the banks, postal offices, retail stores, and restaurants.

To promote the business in new China Town area: Many of the key companies and business entities will be advertised on the China Town Map. Since the map is so useful most Chinese people would like to get a copy and keep it as a reference guide. The business opportunities for the companies listed on the China Town Map should increase dramatically.

To create a collectible item for improving the image of new China Town: Grace Computer & Internet Corporation, a well reknowed computer service company established in 1993, will professionally design this map. All art and graphics works are so unique and beautiful, which readily make the China Town Map become a collectible item. Many American residents will get to know the Chinese community better and accept its important role contributing to the multi-cultures in today’s American societies.