John Ta Chuan Fang (Chinese: 方大川; pinyin: Fāng Dàchuān; Wade–Giles: Fang Ta-ch'uan 27 May 1924 – 27 April 1992) was an American businessman, publisher, and writer based in San Francisco. He was the founder of Chinatown Handy Guide and AsianWeek.

John Fang
Born
Fang Ta-ch'uan

(1924-05-27)27 May 1924
Shanghai, China
Died27 April 1992(1992-04-27) (aged 67)
NationalityAmerican
EducationNational Chengchi University
Occupation(s)Businessman, publisher, writer
Known forFounder, Chinatown Handy Guide and AsianWeek
Spouse
(m. 1960)
Children3 sons

Early life edit

Fang was born in Shanghai, China in 1924.[1] He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism at Taipei's National Chengchi University and worked their for the government-controlled New Life newspaper.[1] In 1952, he moved to San Francisco to study at UC Berkeley.[1]

Career edit

Fang started out on his own by publishing the Chinatown Handy Guide in 1959, a series of booklets to the Chinatowns in major US cities, as they were emerging as tourist attractions.[1]

In 1979, he founded AsianWeek, and its headquarters were in San Francisco's Chinatown.[citation needed]

Personal life edit

In 1960, he married Florence Fang, and they had three sons.[1]

Fang died on 27 April 1992.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Nakao, Annie; Fern, Elizabeth; EZ; Yi, Matthew; Bulwa, Demian (30 July 2000). "Fang family's story enters new chapter". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  2. ^ "JOHN TA CHUAN FANG". Orlando Sentinel. 30 April 1992. Retrieved 7 May 2019.