In preparation for their departure for Qingdao , China on March 30th, the students and teachers involved in the China Exchange Program explored Manhattan ’s Chinatown on Friday, January 19th. Chinatown offers students a unique setting where they can practice skills that will be used in China . In addition to visiting the Museum of the Chinese in America and observing the active street life of open markets and shops, students had an opportunity to interact with people in Columbus Park before going to the Mahayana Buddhist Temple and having dinner at a traditional Chinese restaurant. The trip proved to be a valuable field experience in studying Chinese culture.

The large, golden Buddha is seated on a lotus flower in the back of the Mahayana Temple .  The statue is one of the largest in New York City .

A mixing of old and new, traditional North American fruits meet those of China ; at a food stand on Canal Street.

The China Exchange students pose in front of the giant Buddha at Mahayana Buddhist temple, the largest in Chinatown .

 

Two men playing a game of Chinese chess in Columbus Park .

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