Have you ever noticed a neon sign that reads SHANGHAI STREET in @philippetheog parking lot? This is actually a sign from China City, which opened on June 7, 1938 by Christine Sterling. It was mysteriously destroyed by fire in September 2, 1948. “The project was Sterling’s attempt to fill a gap left when most of Old Chinatown was destroyed to make way for the new Union Station. Sterling envisioned a Chinese-themed tourist attraction, modeled after a Hollywood movie set, that would attract visitors to the Old Plaza area while at the same time providing jobs for the Chinese American community.” William Gow, Gum Saan Journal 2010. Swipe to see a photo that @in_the_neon_city captured with the sign lit up! 📸 @chssc_official @laplphotos @in_the_neon_city #losangeleshistory #lachinatown #exploredtla