What is the Statue of Lin Ze Xu known for?

The statue commemorates Lin Ze Xu, a 19th-century Chinese official and political philosopher known as the world's first drug czar for his efforts to eradicate opium in China. He is considered a national hero and a symbol of moral resistance in China.

Where is the statue located?

The statue is located at Lin Ze Xu Square (East Broadway at Chatham Square) in New York City's Chinatown.

What does the statue look like?

It is an over life-size bronze portrait statue of Lin Ze Xu dressed in scholarly robes, standing on a granite pedestal. The monument has a total height of 18 feet 5 inches.

What is inscribed on the statue?

The base of the statue is inscribed with 'Lin Ze XU (1785-1850)' and 'Pioneer in the war against drugs' in both English and Chinese.

When was the statue installed?

The statue was unveiled and installed at Chatham Square in 1997.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Statue of Lin Ze Xu in New York City

Statue of Lin Ze Xu

A bronze monument honoring Lin Ze Xu, the 19th-century Qing Dynasty official known as the world's first drug czar for his bold campaign to eradicate opium in China.

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What to know

The Statue of Lin Ze Xu stands as a prominent landmark in New York City's Chinatown, located at Lin Ze Xu Square on East Broadway at Chatham Square. This over life-size portrait statue, reaching a height of 18 feet 5 inches, is crafted from bronze and granite. The figure is depicted wearing scholarly robes, reflecting his status as a scholar and government bureaucrat during the 1830s. Lin Ze Xu was appointed by the Emperor of China in 1838 to lead the fight against the opium trade. He is celebrated as the world's first drug czar for his decisive action, including the confiscation and destruction of 2.6 million pounds of opium. While these efforts led to the Opium War with Britain, which China eventually lost, Lin remains a national hero and a symbol of moral resistance in China. Installed in 1997, the statue serves as more than just a tribute to Lin's anti-drug efforts. Its placement in Chatham Square was a strategic political statement, reflecting the rising political influence of Fujianese immigrants in the neighborhood. By positioning the monument in contrast to the existing Confucius statue, it symbolized the shifting demographics and political leanings of the local Chinese community, specifically as Fujianese newcomers gained prominence over earlier Cantonese immigrants. The base of the monument bears the inscription 'Lin Ze XU (1785-1850)' and identifies him as a 'Pioneer in the war against drugs' in both English and Chinese.

Visitor tips

Look closely at the base of the statue to read the inscriptions in both English and Chinese.
Compare the Lin Ze Xu statue with the nearby Confucius statue to understand the community's shifting political dynamics.
Since it is located in a busy intersection at Chatham Square, be mindful of traffic when taking photographs.

Nearby context

The Statue of Lin Ze Xu is located in the heart of Chinatown, situated at the intersection of East Broadway and Chatham Square, placing it in a position of prominence within the community's cultural and cultural landscape.

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