Chinatown

[frank1538]

Jingwen had an opportunity to travel with me to NYC for a few days. The first thing we had to do when I could get away from work was to go to Chinatown and take a look. We'll do some more sightseeing this weekend.

 

She surprised the hell out of me. I asked her if she liked Chinatown. Her response was that it was too much like Guangzhou, one of her least favorite cities. She said there were too many people (by US standards), the buildings and shops were too old, and the streets were too dirty. She said the only good things about it were 1) the food and 2) the fact that most everyone spoke a language that she could understand. She said she preferred Atlanta's Chinese community where the pace is a bit slower and the people are not as abrupt.

 

I was actually shocked to hear all of this from a city girl, but it does tell me that she is adjusting to life in the US. I think part of her problem was that we are staying in the theater district at a nice hotel with lots of Christmas glitter, upscale stores, bustle, and neon, and she may have expected Chinatown to be more like this part of NYC.

[lele]

Jingwen had an opportunity to travel with me to NYC for a few days.  The first thing we had to do when I could get away from work was to go to Chinatown and take a look.  We'll do some more sightseeing this weekend.

 

She surprised the hell out of me.  I asked her if she liked Chinatown.  Her response was that it was too much like Guangzhou, one of her least favorite cities.  She said there were too many people (by US standards), the buildings and shops were too old, and the streets were too dirty.  She said the only good things about it were 1) the food and 2) the fact that most everyone spoke a language that she could understand.  She said she preferred Atlanta's Chinese community where the pace is a bit slower and the people are not as abrupt.

 

I was actually shocked to hear all of this from a city girl, but it does tell me that she is adjusting to life in the US.  I think part of her problem was that we are staying in the theater district at a nice hotel with lots of Christmas glitter, upscale stores, bustle, and neon, and she may have expected Chinatown to be more like this part of NYC.

from what I have seen in person growing up in and around NYC, there are *multiple* china towns in NYC. at least 3 that I know of. The one you are talking about is that way because most of the people there came from Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

 

There are two others, one is mostly populated by hokkien speaking people from fujian and taiwan provinces.

 

The third, which is still quite small, is populated mostly by people from the rest of mainland china. The people here tend to be the more open-minded, and in my opinion serve the most authentic food (since they do not water it down for western consumption). It seems as though the non-southern Chinese actually have an easier time fitting into american society (although they have been the population here the least amount of time).

 

If anyone knows of one or more chinatowns in NYC that I have missed, please fill me in!

 

In Atlanta, what time and from where did the Chinese immigrate from? From my experience, this makes all of the difference.

 

An interesting story though!!!

[Jim - Portland, USA]

Hey wow, my sweetie and I were in NYC Chinatown last week!! Juxin also commented on how much of a "Cantonese" flavor the whole area has (which is understandable since most "chinatowns" around the world have a strong Cantonese flavor since the Cantonese have a tradition of emmigrating elsewhere to find riches abroad). Anyway, Juxin was surprised by how many (Chinese) people there were. Very crowded, and the NYC chinatown did make her feel almost as if she were back in China again (begrudgingly )

 

One of the things I was suprised by is how much NYC Chinatown has grown! It used to butt up against "Little Italy". I forget the name of that street, but it used to divide Chinatown from Little Italy. Now, Little Italy is gone!. That whole big area that used to be Little Italy is now filled with Chinese shops, stores, restaurants, clinics, everything. Chinatown is getting bigger and bigger, overtaking all surrounding communities. We joked that NYC Chinatown is now "Chinacity". Its really like a (small) Chinese city dropped inside of an American metropolis. We also joked that someday hlaf of Manhatten will belong to the Chinese

[MoonCarolCafe]

We joked that NYC Chinatown is now "Chinacity". Its really like a (small) Chinese city dropped inside of an American metropolis.

 

Come to Southern California. Check out the San Gabriel Valley. A dozen or so municipalities with a strong to dominant Chinese influence. Alhambra, Arcadia, Montrery Park, Rosemead, Rowland Heights, Walnut, San Gabriel, Diamond Bar, City of Industry...

[Robert S.]

Hey Frank, have a good time. Thanks for the descriptions.

[lele]

Hey wow, my sweetie and I were in NYC Chinatown last week!!  Juxin also commented on how much of a "Cantonese" flavor the whole area has (which is understandable since most "chinatowns" around the world have a strong Cantonese flavor since the Cantonese have a tradition of emmigrating elsewhere to find riches abroad).  Anyway, Juxin was surprised by how many (Chinese) people there were.  Very crowded, and the NYC chinatown did make her feel almost as if she were back in China again (begrudgingly )

 

One of the things I was suprised by is how much NYC Chinatown has grown!  It used to butt up against "Little Italy".  I forget the name of that street, but it used to divide Chinatown from Little Italy.  Now, Little Italy is gone!.  That whole big area that used to be Little Italy is now filled with Chinese shops, stores, restaurants, clinics, everything.  Chinatown is getting bigger and bigger, overtaking all surrounding communities.  We joked that NYC Chinatown is now "Chinacity".  Its really like a (small) Chinese city dropped inside of an American metropolis.  We also joked that someday hlaf of Manhatten will belong to the Chinese  

Hey!

 

That is not exactly true...

 

Little Italy still exists...well, about 2 blocks of it!

 

What is really interesting is the portion of chinatown that is now extending into the lower east side...

 

Oh yes, that and the $10 bus from chinatown nyc to chinatown boston!

[John & Hai Yan]

Chinatown in New York City is hugh! Once you go beyond the main streets (near Little Italy) where a lot of the restaurants are, you can really get lost. I did some exploring last winter, and at one point I walked around for about a half hour without seeing another caucasion.

 

Lele, Can you give the location of the other two Chinatowns?

 

Frank, I am surprised that Jingwen did not like Chinatown? I was counting on running up there whenever Hai Yan got too homesick. It is only a two hour drive for me. Since Jingwen and Hai Yan are both from Zhanjiang, I wonder if Hai Yan will have the same response. The Chinatown in Philadelphia is much smaller by comparison.

 

If you are up near the theater district, check out the revolving restaurant on top of the Marriott. You get some great views of the City. Best to make reservations. If they have no reservations they also have a buffet which doesn't require reservations, I think. Enjoy your stay in New York.

[lele]

Chinatown in New York City is hugh! Once you go beyond the main streets (near Little Italy) where a lot of the restaurants are, you can really get lost. I did some exploring last winter, and at one point I walked around for about a half hour without seeing another caucasion.

 

Lele, Can you give the location of the other two Chinatowns?

 

Frank, I am surprised that Jingwen did not like Chinatown? I was counting on running up there whenever Hai Yan got too homesick. It is only a two hour drive for me. Since Jingwen and Hai Yan are both from Zhanjiang, I wonder if Hai Yan will have the same response. The Chinatown in Philadelphia is much smaller by comparison.

 

If you are up near the theater district, check out the revolving restaurant on top of the Marriott. You get some great views of the City. Best to make reservations. If they have no reservations they also have a buffet which doesn't require reservations, I think. Enjoy your stay in New York.

The other two (that I know of):

 

1. the Hokkien one (Fujian and Taiwan province people mostly) is in Flushing Queens

 

2. the new and growing mainland chinese one is in the Astoria Area (but this one is only in its infancy).

 

3. It also looks like there are massive numbers of mainland Chinese moving into Edison New Jersey. This trend makes sense, as it is currently has the highest Indian Population in the US in its boundaries. They seem to be very open to people and have a quite good public school system. Although this is not an area where tourists will want to go, if you want to see a chinese community, it could be worth a shot, especially if you are wanting to make a stop between Philadelphia and NYC (and it is winter time, so one will choose not to go to the NJ Beach as an alternative stop).

 

If you want really good chinese food that is not cantonese style (for example sichuan style) then check out some of the places popping up in Astoria or the one new branch in the old Hell's Kitchen Area (9th Ave between 50-52).

[tonado]

NYC Chinatown at Canal St has too many people and cars. Getting a meter parking space is almost impossible. I used to park at the muncipal parking at the police station. I think it is close now after 9/11. The best part about shopping at NYC Chinatown is the fresh veggies, fruits, and sea food. I used to buy Chinese DVDs/CDs there for good prices. Now I can get the same price in Boston Chinatown.

[John & Hai Yan]

NYC Chinatown at Canal St has too many people and cars.  Getting a meter parking space is almost impossible.  I used to park at the muncipal parking at the police station.  I think it is close now after 9/11.   The best part about shopping at NYC Chinatown is the fresh veggies, fruits, and sea food.  I used to buy Chinese DVDs/CDs there for good prices.  Now I can get the same price in Boston Chinatown.

Tony,

You are right. The last time I went up to Chinatown, I parked a block away from Canal street. I misread the parking signs. I thought I could park at a meter for an hour. When I returned 55 minutes later I had a $110.00 parking ticket. B) B)

[John & Hai Yan]

The other two (that I know of):

 

1. the Hokkien one (Fujian and Taiwan province people mostly) is in Flushing Queens

 

2. the new and growing mainland chinese one is in the Astoria Area (but this one is only in its infancy).

 

3. It also looks like there are massive numbers of mainland Chinese moving into Edison New Jersey.  This trend makes sense, as it is currently has the highest Indian Population in the US in its boundaries.  They seem to be very open to people and have a quite good public school system.  Although this is not an area where tourists will want to go, if you want to see a chinese community, it could be worth a shot, especially if you are wanting to make a stop between Philadelphia and NYC (and it is winter time, so one will choose not to go to the NJ Beach as an alternative stop).

 

If you want really good chinese food that is not cantonese style (for example sichuan style) then check out some of the places popping up in Astoria or the one new branch in the old Hell's Kitchen Area (9th Ave between 50-52).

 

 

Thanks lele. I might check them out after my fiancee gets here.

[corvette]

She surprised the hell out of me. I asked her if she liked Chinatown. Her response was that it was too much like Guangzhou, one of her least favorite cities. She said there were too many people (by US standards), the buildings and shops were too old, and the streets were too dirty. She said the only good things about it were 1) the food and 2) the fact that most everyone spoke a language that she could understand.

China town in NYC is too much like GZ? I am surprised to know that. One of my best friends from GZ is living in NYC and she works somewhere near the China Town, but she never felt the same.

 

As a native GZ gal, I don't agree with these comments:

 

"the buildings and shops were too old"

ummm I won't use the word "old" to describe the buildings here in GZ. I would prefer "historical" which can specificly give ppl a real picture of what GZ is like. I'm proud that I'm living in a city with a history of over 2000 years rather than being drowned among skycrapers. Actually there are way too many new buildings and huge fancy shopping malls in GZ.

 

I've never been to the Chinatown in NYC, however I do believe it has its unique culture and history that Chinese ppl should take pride of.

 

 

"the streets were too dirty:

True, in the past, some streets in GZ were too dirty. But now things have been changed. I dare not say that all streets here in GZ are dirtless, but all major streets are clean, that's for sure.

 

I hope that ppl here who have not yet been to GZ won't be given any wrong perception of the city.

[lele]

She surprised the hell out of me. I asked her if she liked Chinatown. Her response was that it was too much like Guangzhou, one of her least favorite cities. She said there were too many people (by US standards), the buildings and shops were too old, and the streets were too dirty. She said the only good things about it were 1) the food and 2) the fact that most everyone spoke a language that she could understand.

China town in NYC is too much like GZ? I am surprised to know that. One of my best friends from GZ is living in NYC and she works somewhere near the China Town, but she never felt the same.

 

As a native GZ gal, I don't agree with these comments:

 

"the buildings and shops were too old"

ummm I won't use the word "old" to describe the buildings here in GZ. I would prefer "historical" which can specificly give ppl a real picture of what GZ is like. I'm proud that I'm living in a city with a history of over 2000 years rather than being drowned among skycrapers. Actually there are way too many new buildings and huge fancy shopping malls in GZ.

 

I've never been to the Chinatown in NYC, however I do believe it has its unique culture and history that Chinese ppl should take pride of.

 

 

"the streets were too dirty:

True, in the past, some streets in GZ were too dirty. But now things have been changed. I dare not say that all streets here in GZ are dirtless, but all major streets are clean, that's for sure.

 

I hope that ppl here who have not yet been to GZ won't be given any wrong perception of the city.

I never thought of GZ as dirty!

 

However, I have been warned by 4 students currently on f1 visas who all hail from there that theft is a HUGE problem, as compared with elsewhere in China.

 

I additionally was warned by a bus load of tourists from GZ who were traveling from xuenkongsi to datong (my precious and I caught a ride with them after agreeing to help them with their english) of the exact same thing.

 

I also met a person my first time in China from GZ who warned me of the same thing too.

 

The numbers of people warning, in addition to multiple guidebooks which state this, lead me to believe its true.

 

However, those that had traveled to Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City have since reversed their comments about GZ being dirty and now only claim it is mildly dirty.

 

Oh, and in NYC, which Chinatown did you go to??? Could you please clarify so that we can better understand your perspective. Remember, some of the chinatowns do not have any GZ influence at all and even the one on the map labeled as such is just as much of a HK influence as a GZ one.

[frank1538]

She surprised the hell out of me. I asked her if she liked Chinatown. Her response was that it was too much like Guangzhou, one of her least favorite cities. She said there were too many people (by US standards), the buildings and shops were too old, and the streets were too dirty. She said the only good things about it were 1) the food and 2) the fact that most everyone spoke a language that she could understand.

China town in NYC is too much like GZ? I am surprised to know that. One of my best friends from GZ is living in NYC and she works somewhere near the China Town, but she never felt the same.

 

As a native GZ gal, I don't agree with these comments:

 

"the buildings and shops were too old"

ummm I won't use the word "old" to describe the buildings here in GZ. I would prefer "historical" which can specificly give ppl a real picture of what GZ is like. I'm proud that I'm living in a city with a history of over 2000 years rather than being drowned among skycrapers. Actually there are way too many new buildings and huge fancy shopping malls in GZ.

 

I've never been to the Chinatown in NYC, however I do believe it has its unique culture and history that Chinese ppl should take pride of.

 

 

"the streets were too dirty:

True, in the past, some streets in GZ were too dirty. But now things have been changed. I dare not say that all streets here in GZ are dirtless, but all major streets are clean, that's for sure.

 

I hope that ppl here who have not yet been to GZ won't be given any wrong perception of the city.

This was not meant as a dis on Guangzhou, but I think Jingwen was expecting to find Chinatown like Midtown but populated with Chinese, and she was a bit taken aback by what she saw. Having seen NYC through the eyes of American TV, I think she expected all of NYC to have skyscrapers and wide boulevards, taxis, and the like. Needless to say, this was not what she found in Chinatown.

[lele]

This was not meant as a dis on Guangzhou, but I think Jingwen was expecting to find Chinatown like Midtown but populated with Chinese, and she was a bit taken aback by what she saw.  Having seen NYC through the eyes of American TV, I think she expected all of NYC to have skyscrapers and wide boulevards, taxis, and the like.  Needless to say, this was not what she found in Chinatown.

I hope that you were able to enjoy your time and to see many of the wonderful things that NYC has to offer.

 

Currently at the metropolitan museum of art there is an exhibit on Chinese Art from 200-900AD and it is really worth the $7-$15 entrance fee (depends on if you are a student or senior or such).

 

Did you get a chance to go down to the old coney island area? I think that many people really appreciate it, although it is not heavily advertised in the tourist literature.