What change the local people in Liverpool？
— Chinese styles
What is your impression of Chinatown? Deserted, lively, or all of Chinese inside? Ming and Qing Dynasties style, with the traditional column, carved on the symbol of China’s Dragon map, coupled with the typical architecture of alternating red and yellow, the big archway door like a mother who open the arms to meet the arrival of each child. Do you still think that only Chinese stay here? Once upon a time, Chinatown not only satisfied the needs of Chinese people, but also deeply rooted in foreigners hearts.
With the growing influences of the Chinese people, many overseas cities will build a Chinatown, which shows the unity of the Chinese people. As the first and most ancient Liverpool Chinatown in Britain, its status and influence should not be underestimated in the entire city.
“My mom is Taiwanese and my dad is a local Liverpool,” said Jason Cao, who is a manager works in Chinatown. “My father has fallen in love with Chinatown here, he has developed the habit of going to Chinatown to drink morning tea every weekend.”
He looked proud to say that his dad loved Chinese culture so much, he taught Chinese in an old Chinese school from an early age. Obviously, he can use not only English but also Chinese fluently. Because his Chinese is well, he has been in the good graces of some bosses so that he worked in Liverpool for three different Chinese people during his time at university.
As the “Old Man” of Liverpool Chinatown, everything has attractions for foreigners, and these Chinese cultures are deeply involved in their lives. The impact of China has greatly enriched their lives, they know that is not only one way to going to the bar and have a drink and chat at night for recreation.
A grocery store owner Danielle expressed she has taught to go to the Chinatown to have a midnight snack and play mahjong with her friends. She said sometimes she go to the Karaoke with Chinese friends, and she can sing a few Chinese songs as well.
“Our family will go to the Spring Festival activity held by China Town every year.” Danielle added. “Spring Festival is also our festival!”
In this case, Liverpool Chinatown has less attractive gradually. More attention has given to newly built football centers and Liverpool one.
Liu Fujin stood in the middle of the streets of Chinatown and lamented: “The Chinatown has not strong atmosphere as before.”
As a businessman who came to Liverpool from Henan province almost every year, he felt that Chinatown has lost its former prosperity nowadays. The older generation are interested in the lives here but young people are not live here universally.
So far, none of the Chinese schools previously run here and they have moved out of Chinatown, Jason feels sorry for his teacher, “He is ready to move to London.”
This is why there are more and more emerging Chinese fast restaurants in Chinatown. It is hard to disagree some Chinese express they are helpless: “The status quo is true. We just can go to the ‘old’ Cantonese restaurant, I miss other taste.” Jason said. “Anyway, I still think Chinatown has an unshakable position.”
Danielle told us at least she have already incorporated China into her soul. Who knows? Maybe Liverpool’s museum will remember the friendship between China and Liverpool.
