Chong Wa Benevolent Association was established around 1892.
Originally created to assist Chinese Americans with finances, housing, and employment, as well as mediate disputes in the Chinese American community. Today it offers services including Chinese language classes and cultural activities. The current building (pictured) was built in 1929.
Photo Credit: Huang Rei Ming Studio. Wing Luke Asian Museum Photograph Collection.

OUR HISTORY
About Chong Wa
The Chong Wa Benevolent Association, was founded in the late 1800’s by Seattle’s Chinese community to create a federation of its diverse family associations, district associations, tongs and businesses for the purpose of administering Chinatown politics and support Chinese causes.
Dating back to 1930, the CWBA building, located in the middle of Seattle’s International District on 7th and Weller, has provided spaces for schooling, Chinese language learning, Dragon Dancing teams, and even Cha Cha dance lessons taught by Bruce Lee himself. The CWBA continues to be the voice for Asian Americans within Seattle as it works alongside local Chinatown businesses and the local government.
OUR MISSION
What We Do
Promoting Chinese culture and general welfare within the community.

Establish Communication and Cooperation
Between the community, organization, agencies and local government

Foster
The improvement, beautification, revitalization and preservation of Seattle's Chinatown

Provide Leadership
In community issues

Promoting Chinese Culture
And general welfare within the community.
WELCOME TO
Chong Wa Benevolent Association
Established in 1912, the original mission of the Chong Wa Benevolent Association was:
- To provide a unified voice for Chinese Americans in Washington State
- To mediate disputes between the various Chinese organizations
- To keep alive traditional opera forms and maintain the language and culture among the younger generations.

Be a part of our community.参加。
Today, Chong Wa represents community interests to city, country and state governments to foster improvements in Seattle’s Chinatown and to foster Chinese language and cultural programs. The association is housed in a historic 1929 building located in the heart of Seattle’s Chinatown. The building serves as a meeting place on matters of import to the community, as well as a home base for the Seattle Chinese Community Girl’s Drill Team, the Chinatown Dragon Team and a Chinese language program–the state’s oldest. Program offerings include adult, youth and children’s mandarin classes, Cantonese for Adults, English Learner and Citizenship classes, as well as cultural activities, such as Cantonese or Beijing opera rehearsals and performances.