More than two third (66%) of Chinese speakers living in New York City have limited English proficiency,according to the NYC Language Explorer. Access to their native language books and media is an important part of immigrants’ cultural life, as well as for their U.S.-born children seeking to maintain a connection to their language and heritage.
New York City offers many ways to find Chinese-language materials and connect with Chinese culture. Here are some places to explore.
Where can I buy Chinese-language books online?
JF Books
JF Books is a non-profit independent bilingual bookstore established in Shanghai since 1997. It opened its first U.S. shop in Washington D.C. in 2024. The shelves feature a curated selection of Chinese-language books from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, as well as English titles focused on China and Asia studies.
JF Books offers online ordering. Visit its website to browse available titles and learn more about upcoming events and podcasts.
China Books & Periodicals
China Books is North America’s oldest and largest publisher, importer and distributor of books from and about China. Headquartered in South San Francisco, California, the company works with multimedia organizations and library services worldwide, with a focus on promoting Chinese history, society, language and culture. Its website offers Chinese-language learning materials, while its online store features a wider selection of books and educational resources.
Where can I find Chinese bookstores in Manhattan?
Eastern Bookstore NYC
Eastern Bookstore, also known as Oriental Culture Enterprises, opened in 1976. It primarily sells Chinese-language books from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, with titles covering social sciences, literature, language learning, health and wellness, children’s books and travel.
The store also carries a curated selection of traditional cultural products, including calligraphy supplies, Chinese paintings, seal carvings and other art items. A dedicated calligraphy section offers brushes, ink, paper and inkstones for beginners, students and experienced practitioners.
Location: 13 – 17 Elizabeth St 2nd floor, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 226-8461
Store hours: Everyday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Online store: https://www.easternbooknyc.com/
Yu & Me Books
Yu & Me Books is more than a bookstore, it’s also a cafe and a bar that focuses on the strong, diverse voices of the Asian community, with a focus on immigrant stories and aims to bring more representation within the literary space. The store also hosts book talks and mingles events to bring people together with a shared love of literature.
Location: 44 Mulberry St. New York, NY 10013
Contact: (646) 559-1165
Store hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Website: https://yuandmebooks.com/
Accent Sisters
Accent Sisters is a multilingual bookstore, gallery, publishing studio and event space dedicated to independent literature, interdisciplinary art and community culture. Founded in 2018 as a community for diaspora writers, it later developed into a cultural space that supports creative writing, artistic exchange and collaboration. Its shelves feature a carefully selected collection of artists’ books, zines, independently published titles and zines.
Location: 89 5th Ave #702 New York, NY 10002
Store hours: Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 2-9 p.m., Sunday 2-6 p.m.
Website: https://www.accentaccent.com/
Online store: https://accentsisters.myshopify.com/
Which Chinese bookstores are in Queens?
Eglance Bookstore
Located in the heart of Flushing, you can find more than Chinese language learning books, the latest bestsellers, calligraphy tools, stationery, even a gallery.
Location: 133-47 41st Ave, Flushing, NY 11355
Contact: (718) 358-2478
Store hours: Open every day 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Online store: https://www.eglancebookstore.com/
