• Chinese American food has become a popular style of cuisine.chinese lobster image by green308 from Fotolia.com
  
  America has long been known for its "melting pot" of diverse nations, cultures and backgrounds. The first Chinese immigrants came to America in the 19th century, mainly to work as coolies and railroad workers. Chinese traditions and art have infiltrated the American consciousness, creating a distinct Chinese American culture.
  
  

Religion

• Many Chinese Americans practice the major Chinese religions and philosophies, including Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Chinese Americans created the first Buddhist temple in San Fransisco in the 19th century. Chinese philosophy has influenced American culture in several ways. Buddhism became popular with people in the alternative culture, especially for icons of the beat generation such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Meditation is a popular method of relaxation and meditation groups exist in many cities in the United States. The idea of Zen, a form of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation to achieve enlightenment, has become popular with books such as "Zen and the Art of Writing," by Ray Bradbury, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," by Robert Pirsig and "The Three Pillars of Zen" by Roshi P. Kapleau.
  
  

Cuisine

• Chinese cuisine has become a popular part of American culture, with Chinese American restaurants and Chinese take-out. Chinese cuisine came to America in the 19th century along with the Chinese immigrants that came to America to work on the Californian railroads. Chinese cuisine didn't become popular until the 20th century, when young Americans propelled it into popularity because it was considered exotic. The first Chinese restaurants were in the Chinatowns and catered mainly to Chinese immigrants, but later expanded to accommodate tourists and Americans. In the 1999 book "America Eats Out," author John Mariani explains that Chinese cuisine was adapted to fit American tastes and some items, like the fortune cookie and egg roll, were American inventions. Chinese American cuisine often featured meat, fried rice and soy sauce though traditional Chinese cuisine is more varied. According to a 1989 New York Times article by Molly O'Neil titled "The Chop Suey Syndrome: Americanizing the Exotic," in these Chinatown restaurants a different menu was typically given to Chinese immigrants than the one given to Americans.
  
  

The Arts

• Chinese American art and literary works, such as the books of Chinese American writer Amy Tan, have propelled Chinese culture into the consciousness of America. Similar books written by Chinese Americans often focus on issues related to the difficulty of living in the United States, issues of immigration, racism and romantic relationships.
  
  Other Chinese American artists have won national acclaim and prominent success in society. Maya Lin, a sculptor and artist, designed the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial located in Washington. Vera Wang became a popular fashion designer. Movies featuring Chinese actors Jackie Chan and Jet Li often become box office hits.
  
  Many Americans have taken elements of Chinese art and integrated it into their style and art. For example, many Americans get tattoos with Chinese symbols or wear jewelry such as pendants with jade dragons or Buddhist malas. Others decorate their homes with Buddhist statues, Chinese calligraphy, sand gardens and bonsai trees.