

Chinatown Zoning Rules OK'd
Boston's Zoning Commission has adopted new zoning rules for Chinatown on June 17 that the Boston Planning Department says will make it "easier for people to open small businesses, protect the historical row houses in the neighborhood, and improve the climate resilience" of the historic and cultural section of Downtown.
Adam Smith
6 days ago


‘My Home on the Moon’ Mixes 'Twilight Zone,' Pho and Queerness
Sampan attended opening night on May 27 and spoke with members of the creative team about the play's inspiration, creative process, and central themes. The production runs through June 13 at the Plaza Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts. For tickets and more information, visit www.chuangstage.org/my-home-on-the-moon.
DongDong Yang
Jun 10


Quincy School Mural Sends Message of Playfulness, Community
Artist Yuke Li talks about her Chinatown mural, “Star Gatherers,” that decorates Josiah Quincy Elementary School’s lower playground.
Adam Smith
Jun 8


A Path Toward Justice
As attorney Paul W. Lee receives honorary degree this month, he reflects on his pioneering career
Esther Wang
Jun 3


Reggie Wong Park Updates Would 'Serve' Everyone, Advocates Say
A grassroots community effort and millions in potential funding promise to turn Reggie Wong Memorial Park into a destination where sports teams practice and Chinatown residents find refuge from heat and the bustling city.
Darby Meiran Yang
May 26


Why Housing in Hub Is Too Pricey
UMass-Boston economics prof. Keren Horn talks with Sampan about the supply problem and why it's keeping prices too high.
Adam Smith
May 20


‘We Want People to Feel Welcome’
Sen. Nick Collins chats with Sampan about Chinatown, housing, homelessness, more
Daria Mohan Zhang
May 18


Power in Print
Sampan sits down with the editor of Guerrilla Mag.
Adam Smith
May 15


New 'Hope'
How a group of activists, academics and artists have renewed efforts to restore Mount Hope Cemetery
Alvin Huang
May 8


City Updates Chinatown Zoning Plan
New zoning rules that will shape the land and sky in Chinatown have been years in the making, and progress on the plans were revealed at an April 28 city meeting in a black box auditorium of the neighborhood’s Josiah Quincy School.
Alvin Huang
May 8


Guest Opinion: Say Yes to Tunney Lee Plaza
The late Tunney Lee--architect, urban planner, and community historian-- made great contributions to his childhood neighborhood of Chinatown. Now, it’s time we give back and name a key section of this iconic Boston district after him.
Lydia Lowe
Apr 24


Artist Vivian Tran Spins Through Generations in Greenway Show
Artist Vivian Tran's art installation at Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park on The Greenway is slated to run from April 23 to December 2026.
Adam Smith
Apr 18


'Flying Lessons' Film Navigates Life, Autism, and Death
The themes of the indie film “Flying Lessons” are universal: death, grief, family and disability. But the way in which filmmaker Sarah Waldron tells the story is highly unique.
Daria Mohan Zhang
Apr 17


New CPA Director Has Been Organizing Since a Teen
Irene Jor, after years of organizing on the East Coast and abroad, was recently appointed as CPA’s new executive director.
Adam Smith
Apr 13
Opinion: Remember Those Who Came Before You at Mount Hope
M ount Hope Cemetery in Mattapan is the oldest Chinese burial ground in New England, with more than 1,500 sojourners interred. These were among Boston’s earliest Chinese immigrants, many of whom lived here during the Chinese Exclusion Act of the late 1800s. Facing discrimination and immigration restrictions, many were prevented from traveling between China and the U.S. and were unable to bring family members to join them. Most labored to support their families, intending to r
Nancy Lo
Apr 10


Once in Tatters, Magu Returns to Greatness
Ming Dynasty painting, the immortal Magu, is painstakingly restored and now on view at the Davis Museum.
Wenqi Cao
Apr 10


Casandra Xavier Makes Her Own Path
Sampan caught up with Casandra Xavier, who lives in the North End, as she will be honored at the Abilities Dance Boston show “Intersections v5” on April 17 and 18 at the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center.
Adam Smith
Apr 8


Building Memory Into Monument
Sampan chats with Vietnamese American Artist Ngoc-Tran Vu about Little Saigon, art, and history
Wenqi Cao
Mar 27


'Do I Make Myself Small?'
As Islamophobia takes toll on many American Muslims, CAIR attorneys see time of worry...and hope
Adam Smith
Mar 27
Editorial: Stop the Spread of Fear, Hate
Forces are hard at work trying to spread fear of the other. These forces, whether they be from elected officials in high places — the president, congressmen, governors — or lurking in online forums in the “Bluest” cities and towns in Massachusetts can have real consequences for people just trying to live their lives. People can face unnecessary investigation, be detained and face threat of deportation, or miss opportunities they are entitled to, like access to good housing or
Adam Smith
Mar 27


