Step into any major South American city these days, and you’ll spot a vibrant cultural mash-up: sleek Chinese-made electric minibuses zipping past colonial architecture, while the aroma of freshly steamed baozi (buns) wafts from corner eateries. 🚐✨ From Lima to Buenos Aires, Chinese influences are reshaping daily life – and locals are here for it.
Wheels on the Road (Made in China)
‘These buses are quieter and cheaper to maintain,’ says Carlos Mendez, a Santiago-based driver, patting the hood of his BYD electric minibus. Over 300 Chinese-made vehicles now dominate his city’s public transit – part of a growing trend as South American nations partner with Chinese automakers to cut emissions.
Dumplings & Diaspora Delights
In Lima’s Chinatown, third-generation restaurateur Luisa Huáng laughs as she folds jiaozi (dumplings): ‘My abuelo used to explain what “wonton” meant. Now everyone orders them by name!’ 🥢 With over 1.2 million people of Chinese descent in Peru alone, fusion dishes like chifa (Chinese-Peruvian cuisine) have become national comfort food.
‘It’s not “foreign” anymore – it’s our culture now,’ says Rio de Janeiro student Ana Costa, munching on pastel (Brazilian-style fried wontons).
