A Cuban woman showcased the current state of Chinatown in Havana on TikTok, highlighting the contrast between its touristy appearance and the economic crisis affecting Cubans. In her video, shared by user @kary_y_jony, the characteristic structures of the neighborhood are visible, some still featuring elements of Chinese culture, but surrounded by dirty streets, dilapidated buildings, and empty businesses.
"It could be a richer center in terms of culinary culture and Asian art, as it is quite the opposite," comments the video's author, who showcases restaurants without customers and establishments that, despite being renovated, fail to attract the local population. According to her testimony, many of these businesses are designed for tourism and their prices are unaffordable for Cubans: "Well-painted facades hiding the Cuban reality, and luxurious places surrounded by dirty streets, faded buildings, and some even propped up."
The video generated various reactions; some users agree that the neighborhood has lost its essence and is no longer a culinary reference in the city. Others point out that, beyond its appearance, the underlying problem is the same one that affects all of Cuba. "It's just an image, but in reality, there aren't even any Chinese people left," commented one user, while another criticized that the renovated spaces do not reflect the true situation of Cubans.
This testimony adds to other recent complaints about the tourism crisis in Havana. Recently, a Cuban who stayed at the hotel Memories Miramar described the place as a "ghost hotel", with no guests in the common areas. Another content creator showcased the streets of Old Havana as practically deserted, with tourist shops lacking customers, which aligns with images of businesses without activity in the historic center.
According to data from the National Office of Information and Statistics (ONEI), in January 2025, the arrival of visitors fell by 25% compared to the same month of the previous year, marking one of the worst starts to the season in over two decades.
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