What is Wing On Wo & Co. known for?

Wing On Wo & Co. is the oldest continuously operating store in Manhattan’s Chinatown. It is a specialist retailer known for Chinese ceramics, porcelain ware, and cultural goods.

What can I buy at the store?

Visitors can find Chinese ceramics and porcelain ware, including tea sets, dinnerware, vases, planters, hand-painted statues, and jewelry.

The store is located at 26 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, in the heart of Chinatown.

What is the history of the shop?

Founded in the 1890s by Walter Eng, it began as a general store selling food staples like dried fish and canned goods to Chinese immigrants. It moved to its current location in 1925 and began specializing in porcelain in 1964 under third-generation owner Nancy Seid.

What is The W.O.W. Project?

Established by fifth-generation owner Mei Lum, The W.O.W. Project is a women- and non-binary-led community initiative located inside the store. It focuses on preserving Chinatown’s creative culture and history through activism, arts, and culture.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Wing On Wo & Co. in New York City

Wing On Wo & Co.

Founded in the 1890s, Wing On Wo & Co. is the oldest continuously operating store in Manhattan’s Chinatown, specializing in exquisite Chinese porcelain and serving as a vital community anchor on Mott Street.

Open prototype

Official site

Get directions

What to know

Wing On Wo & Co. stands as a living testament to the endurance of Manhattan’s Chinatown. Founded in the 1890s by Walter Eng, the business began as a general store providing essential food staples, such as canned goods and dried fish, to a growing community of Chinese immigrants. This five-generation family legacy has evolved alongside the neighborhood, maintaining its presence as the oldest operating store in the area. In 1925, the shop moved to its current location at 26 Mott Street. During this era, the business expanded its offerings to include a roasting pig pit for weekend roast meats and an on-site herbalist who filled prescriptions for local residents. The store's identity shifted again in 1964 when third-generation owner Nancy Seid took over the business, removing perishable goods to focus on her passion for porcelain. Today, the shop is a premier destination for Chinese ceramics and cultural goods. Visitors can browse an array of hand-painted statues, vases, planters, jewelry, and decorated dinnerware and tea sets. The inventory reflects a deep commitment to quality porcelain ware that has defined the store's specialty for decades. Beyond retail, the store serves as a hub for social activism through The W.O.W. Project. Established by fifth-generation owner Mei Lum, this women- and non-binary-led initiative uses the space for intergenerational dialogue and arts to preserve the creative culture and history of a rapidly changing Chinatown.

Visitor tips

Look for the hand-painted statues and tea sets if you are searching for a unique cultural gift.
Visit the store during a weekday morning to avoid the heavier foot traffic typical of Mott Street.
Allow extra time to inquire about The W.O.W. Project and its current community arts initiatives.

Nearby context

Located at 26 Mott Street, Wing On Wo & Co. is positioned in the heart of Manhattan's Chinatown, where it serves as a vital anchor among the neighborhood's dense network of specialty shops and eateries.