Kwong Lee Co.

Loo Gee Wing: The Forgotten Tycoon Who Helped Shape Chinese Canadian History

Loo Gee Wing (1861–1923) was one of the most influential Chinese Canadian figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, yet his name is scarcely recognized today. Despite his savvy business successes, Loo’s later years were marked by community disputes, financial woes, and legal battles. His once-vast estate dwindled, and his story faded from public memory. Yet, his buildings, like the Sun Ah Hotel and Chinese Theatre, remain landmarks of Vancouver Chinatown, and his legacy as a pioneer and community builder endures.