A China in The States?

For decades, New York City has been the place to be. An economic hub with vast opportunities as well as a successful school district, New York’s globalization has skyrocketed. As one of the most globalized metropolitan cities in existence, immense diversity is presented in this city, with one of the greatest populations being the Asian population in New York and the population of the United States in general. The population of Asians both living in and visiting New York is large to the point that Chinatown has become one of the prime locations of tourism, and WeChat and Ali Pay are being accepted in stores all over the city.

One of the more high end shopping centers in upstate New York is called Woodberry Commons. Woodberry Commons is home to stores such as Gucci, Michael Kors and Prada, as well as Montclair. It was brought to my attention by a friend who noticed that customers were scanning a label to check out and purchase their goods. As someone who lives in China, I suggested that this could be WeChat. This sparked the thought that these visitors are most likely bringing back these goods to sell for a higher retail price. Unlike regular shoppers, these Asian shoppers are walking around with large suitcases and carrying around everything they buy in them. Earlier last year, I was told that many of the high quality goods that China produces are exported to countries like the US, with the goods in China such as shoes not being at the quality of the shoes that were shipped off for export. Therefore, it is understandable as to why Asian people visit the United States and purchase goods while visiting. Let me know in the comments what you think about this!

In regards to tourism, Chinatown has also become huge in New York. Chinatown is more fascinating than I expected, and is the leading reason for ‘Americanized’ Chinese food. When Chinese immigrants began flooding into the United States, many of them didn’t speak English and weren’t granted access to jobs, leading them to communicate with one another. Seeing their formation of a community, Americans were intrigued and began walking through the streets in which the immigrants were housed, attempting to immerse themselves into the culture and customs of the Chinese residents. As street food is traditional in China, it was to be expected that they would open themselves up to the local food of China as well.

It should be noted that in the 20^th century, New York’s Chinatown wasn’t all that calm, as illegal activity and prostitution were relied on for profit. The ‘tongs’ were held accountable for the illegal activity taking place at the time. Since the government has involved themselves more and more into Chinatown’s regulations, it has changed immensely since the 20^th century. Compared to before, there is much less authentic Chinese culture in Chinatown these days, and much of the district has become influenced by mainstream American culture. Food, customs and people all have some connection to America, and many people who work there are children or relatives of immigrants. (DNA Info)

China has definitely made its mark on the United States and heavily influenced it. Although, the Chinatown in the New York is home to many Chinese individuals, it does have a sense of being more ‘Americanized’. Chinese customs, traditions and cuisine are a large part of what make up Chinatown; however, some alterations have been made mainly because Chinatown has become such a large tourist destination in the last few decades. If interested in Chinese culture, Chinatown and the Cantonese spoken throughout Chinatown’s streets really give a good idea of what China is like!

Let me know in the comments if you have ever visited New York’s China Town!