What is the most politically correct translation of Chinatown in Mandarin?

The literal translation of Chinatown in Mandarin is 中国城. Another commonly used name, 唐人街, literally means Tang People Street.

However, the term Chinatown itself may not be politically correct, as it suggests a “country within a country”, or a “colony of China”.

In the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where I live, there is a street known as Petaling Street. Years ago, the area surrounding Petaling Street was incorrectly rendered Chinatown by Western media. The name angered some ultra-nationalists here.

Chinese themselves refer to this street as 茨厂街 (Ci Chang Street).

Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur (note that we never use the name Chinatown)

吉隆坡, 马来西亚的茨厂街
茨厂街…

In short, the name Chinatown or 中国城 is politically correct in some countries, but not others.

Chinese Street, or 中华街, may be a more acceptable name.

Yokohama, Japan, has a Chinese Street…

横滨中华街|目的地|【官方】日本国家旅游局(JNTO)
查看我们的日本地图,在这份包罗万象的指南上探索日本的观光景点与旅游特色。

Or, better still, stick to the local official name of the areas.

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