1. Chinatown
by Ms. Shaver

2. 2 square miles of Manhattan’s Lower East Side

3. RELIGION & TRADITIONS Roughly 20% of China’s population is Buddhist.
Any new Buddhist immigrants to NYC’s Chinatown will be pleased to know that even amid lower Manhattan’s busy streets they will find peace.
The Mahayana Buddhist Temple can be found at 133 Canal Street.
The Eastern States Buddhist Temple can be found at 64 Mott Street.

4. FOOD
Food is often the first thing we think about when we talk about culture. When we’re far from home and making changes in our life, sometimes the tastes of home make things easier. Chinese immigrants would be thrilled with the dozens of authentic Chinese restaurants available in Manhattan’s lower east side Chinatown, as well as Chinese grocers and open air markets.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor – 13 Doyers Street
Xi’an Famous Foods – 81 St. Mark’s Place
Mei Li Wah Coffee Shop – 64 Bayard Street
NOTE: Fortune cookies are not Chinese. They were created in San Francisco in 1918.

5. LANGUAGE
Mandarin is the official language of China and is spoken by 1.2 billion people. Upon arrive in Chinatown, many immigrants will fall right in place as most street and shop signs can be found in mandarin and English even the street signs!

6. TRADITIONS
Chinese New Year (mid-February) is a big deal in China and Chinatown. Complete with red and yellow pennants, red lanterns (remember China’s flag), traditional clothing, and the ever present dragon parade, it’s festival fun for all.

7. ARCHITECTURE
the Forbidden City in Beijing, China
The pagoda-style roof, common in ancient Chinese buildings is recognizable far-and-wide. Visitor, or new residents, would be excited to see that architectural style is used in NYC as well. From restaurants, to temples, to banks, the “look” of China is easy to find in Chinatown. Their use of symmetry comes from the ideas of balance, yin and yang.