Chinese Communities
How might the stories and experiences of Chinese communities in the U.S. change the way we see our American culture and identity?
Why New York?
New York City has more Chinese residents than any other city outside of Asia. Manhattan’s Chinatown is well-known in popular culture, but other boroughs like Queens and Brooklyn have their own Chinatown and Chinese communities. There are few, if any cities in the U.S., that can rival the way New York has risen as a hub of Chinese culture, language, and of course food over the course of American history.
Getting to know New York’s Chinatowns can provide a window into Chinese culture (and a chance to practice Mandarin), but Chinese-American culture is something unique in its own right. The story of Chinese New Yorkers is also one of immigration, globalization, and cultural evolution. How have the diverse Chinese communities adapted to life in New York and how have there communities shaped the city? On this program we’ll strive to better understand our changing American experience, and think about how it relates to our own identities as Americans and our relationship with the rest of the world.
Insights + Projects
On every Atlas Workshops program, the group works on an inquiry with real-world implications. Through intentional exploration, engagement with locals and experts, and team activities, students generate new insights and ideas about the topics, places, and global issues they’re investigating.
For some groups, the program incorporates a more extensive project—an opportunity to apply our learning and stretch our creative thinking by making something tangible or public.
We work to share the ideas and inspiration we find in the world, with the world, through collaborative initiatives and student expression. We can also work with you to develop a custom project or publish students’ insights via exhibition, photography, digital or print media, or other format.
Suggested Itinerary
From our base in the city we will explore different Chinese communities, historical landmarks, and stories across 3 or more boroughs. While many Chinese communities in the city do not speak Mandarin, a portion of the program can be designed to focus on language skills for Mandarin language students.
History and Immigration in NYC: 1-3 Days
New York City
Get to know the history of immigration and Chinatown in Manhattan. Learn about the changing lifestyles in the city with a visit to the Tenement museum and a trip to Ellis island (and the Statue of Liberty). Uncover how this first Chinatown came to be and how it continues to change through guided walks and a visit to the Museum of Chinese in America. Think about broader issues of art and urban growth at one of the city’s top museums, and step back in time at the top of the historic Empire State Building.
Chinese Cultural Immersion in New York: 1-3 Days
New York City
Dive deeper through immersive experiences and workshops around the city with a special exploration of the different Chinese-American communities of Sunset Park, Brooklyn and Flushing, Queens. Practice some Chinese calligraphy skills with an award winning teacher, speak Mandarin with native speakers, and explore a variety of Chinese, and Chinese-influenced dishes at neighborhood restaurants and bubble tea shops around the city. During this time we’ll also explore innovation and globalization in all three boroughs.
Changing Identities in NYC: 1-3 Days
New York City
We’ll close our program thinking about New York as it relates to the rest of the world, and as its identity continues to evolve. We’ll meet Chinese entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators. We’ll cross the Brooklyn Bridge for a view of the picturesque skyline, and explore the highline to see how the city continues to reinvent itself. At the end of our program, we will consider the many ways that New York, and Chinese New Yorkers, continue to shape American identity and how to support this community and share this changing story.
Want to Learn More?
CUSTOM PROGRAMS and Modifications
We have designed this itinerary to maximize the value and breadth of our project and program. We can modify any program, or we can plan an entirely custom program. This itinerary could be adapted to focus on more specific learning outcomes, visit different regions, hit a different price point, combine with another program, or cover a longer or shorter schedule based on the group’s needs.
Continue Browsing
You can also check out other day or travel programs in New York City, request a custom program, or explore other related programs here:
