Flushing

Flushing is a neighborhood in Queens that forms one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia. The intersection of Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue is surrounded by multistory buildings with shops, food stalls, and supermarkets.

Dutch settlers founded the area in 1645 and named it Vlissingen after a city in the Netherlands. Starting in the 1970s, Chinese immigrants moved here in growing numbers and transformed the character of the neighborhood.

The neighborhood shows bilingual signage throughout its streets and sidewalks fill with people speaking Mandarin and Cantonese. Street markets offer fresh produce and Asian vegetables that are harder to find in other parts of New York.

The 7 subway line stops at Flushing Main Street station and connects the neighborhood directly with Manhattan. Walking works well for exploring the center since most shops and restaurants sit close together.

The basement level of Golden Shopping Mall holds small food stalls run by individual cooks offering dishes from different Chinese provinces. Many visitors never discover this level even though it sits directly below the regular shops.

Location: Queens

Inception: 1645

GPS coordinates: 40.76583,-73.83308

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00