For more than 40 years, Da Hsin Trading Inc. has been a cornerstone of Washington, DC’s Chinatown — a small business where cultural identity, family legacy, and traditional herbal medicine continue to thrive. As the District observes Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, the story of this shop at 811 7th Street NW reflects the powerful role heritage businesses play in fostering connection, continuity, and wellbeing.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Resilience
Da Hsin Trading Inc. began with the entrepreneurial spirit of Richard Chiang’s parents, who spent years working in door to door sales in Brazil before immigrating to the United States. Their journey laid the foundation for what would eventually become a multigenerational family business in DC’s Chinatown.
When Richard’s father arrived in the early 1980s, he briefly considered opening a restaurant but ultimately chose a different path."When my dad first came here… he thought about opening a restaurant… But the hours were brutal… So, he said, maybe we should do something we already know from the past and focus on retail instead." The store officially opened in 1986.
Evolving With the Neighborhood
In its early years, Da Hsin Trading’s shelves looked very different from today. The shop once carried Chinese tapes, DVDs, and restaurant supplies — products that reflected the needs of a Chinatown that was then rich with Chinese-owned businesses. Over time, both the neighborhood and customer needs shifted. "Over time, the family shifted toward herbal products as customer needs changed and as the neighborhood evolved." Richard recalls that the transformation wasn’t instantaneous: "It’s funny to look back, because at one point we were even selling cigarettes… After that we started working with different herbalists, and over time the shop became more focused on herbal medicine." Today, the shop imports herbs from New York and works closely with a local herbalist who provides diagnoses and individualized prescriptions. Familiar pantry staples — noodles, teas, and sauces — remain in stock for longtime customers seeking items they grew up with.
A Cultural Anchor in a Changing Chinatown
As Chinatown has changed, Da Hsin Trading has remained a point of continuity for residents and visitors who return seeking a connection to the neighborhood’s earlier days. "Many longtime customers return because the store reminds them of the neighborhood’s earlier days… when Chinese businesses were more common and the community felt more concentrated." Cultural celebrations, especially Chinese New Year, continue to bring the community together. "That’s usually the moment everyone feels connected to the culture again." Despite rising rents and the pressures of operating in the District, the shop remains committed to preserving a sense of cultural identity and history.
Supporting Wellness Through Traditional Herbal Medicine
Da Hsin Trading’s shift toward herbal medicine aligns naturally with the growing interest in holistic health, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month. Customers frequently visit seeking teas, herbs, and remedies that promote balance, relaxation, and overall well-being. Richard notes a rising preference for natural health approaches: "A lot of people come in because they’re dealing with something or they’re looking for natural remedies… Many are searching for alternatives, since Western medicine can come with side effects." Herbal products — especially those that calm the body or support long-term wellness — remain among the shop’s most popular items.
Adapting With Purpose
Running a small business in the District has its challenges, from rising costs to changing market demands. Richard often draws on his prior experience working in a government IT department to streamline operations — digitizing records, improving organization, and strengthening flexibility. His philosophy for navigating change is simple: "It’s like what Bruce Lee says: You have to be like water and become the cup… You need to adapt if you want to get things done. No matter how much money you make, it’s never worth your health.
Looking Ahead
Richard hopes the business can continue serving the community without placing undue pressure on the next generation. Today, Da Hsin Trading is more than a retail space — it is a living thread connecting Chinatown’s past and present. For many customers, the shop is a place of familiarity, cultural identity, and community support — a reminder of how small businesses strengthen the social and emotional fabric of a neighborhood.