Limited Edition of the First 3D Pop-up Book “Exploring Chinatown” Released, Initiating Charity Giveaway.

A three-dimensional limited edition book titled “Paper New York – Opening Chinatown” with the theme of the historic Chinatown has been officially released and a charity giveaway event has been launched. On March 13th (Thursday), at a release event held at the Chinatown Library, the Chinatown Business Improvement District and its sponsors offered free copies of the book to non-profit organizations, local bookstores, restaurants, school principals, and others. Recipients expressed their intention to showcase the book in their respective establishments, undoubtedly expanding the horizons of their customers and fostering friendly connections with the Chinatown community.

The book was meticulously crafted by Chinese illustrator and three-dimensional book designer Star Shen and her team at Starry House Studio, in collaboration with the Manhattan Chinatown Business Improvement District (Chinatown B.I.D.). It is the first book to showcase the unique cultural landscape and history of Manhattan’s Chinatown in a three-dimensional format.

Since its establishment in the mid-19th century, Manhattan’s Chinatown has been a place of settlement and livelihood for generations of Chinese immigrants, evolving into the largest Chinese community in the United States. At the book’s inception, Chinatown BID Executive Director Zuo Zhou Chen led the design team on a stroll through the bustling streets, capturing the essence, sounds, and stories of Chinatown, fully immersing themselves in the humanistic charm of the neighborhood. Through intricate paper art design and exquisite illustrations, the book vividly brings to life the vibrant street scenes, iconic buildings, and festive New Year celebrations of Chinatown, providing readers with a unique reading experience.

Entitled “Paper New York – Opening Chinatown NYC”, the book features five major three-dimensional scenes, including iconic buildings of Chinatown, popular longstanding restaurants, lively street scenes, and the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year celebration. Each scene is accompanied by lively introductions in both Chinese and English, narrating the historical background and origins of the scenes. With every turn of the page, a three-dimensional world unfolds before the reader as if they were personally present in the Chinatown community.

Principal Xian Yun Wang of the New York Chinese School located in the heart of Chinatown remarked that the book “incorporates the historical background and cultural history of Chinatown, which is very meaningful for the children at the school.” She also expressed hope for a sequel to include the over 100-year-old New York Chinese School and other historical buildings.

Zuo Zhou Chen stated that the production of this three-dimensional book was quite challenging, requiring the meticulous care and effort of the designer and her team, especially considering that the author, Star Shen, had previously achieved success in three-dimensional book design with “Unfolding Chongqing”. Therefore, he believes that this book will undoubtedly provide readers with even more excitement.

It is worth noting that this three-dimensional book is not available for sale to the public, but is distributed through charitable donations to schools, libraries, hospitals, museums, and local businesses in Chinatown, allowing passersby to view and experience the deep cultural heritage of the community.