Gen Z Reclaims Heritage Through Modern Mahjong Revival

The resurgence of traditional pastimes among Gen Z in the United States is gaining momentum, driven by a cultural and social shift toward offline engagement and nostalgia. Activities once associated with older generations—like mahjong, baking, and needlework—are now being embraced by young adults who seek meaningful, tactile experiences in a digitally saturated world. This phenomenon, dubbed “Grannycore,” is evident in the rapidly growing popularity of mahjong in cities like San Francisco, where young professionals and students are reimagining the centuries-old Chinese tile game as a modern social activity.

Ryan Lee, a 25-year-old Chinese American, pioneered this trend in San Francisco by hosting mahjong nights in his apartment, which quickly evolved into organized events at bars and restaurants. The gatherings attract up to 200 attendees and are held bimonthly by Lee’s Youth Luck Leisure (YLL) Mahjong Club. These events blend the traditional game with contemporary social features such as live DJs and custom cocktails, creating a hybrid experience that appeals to Gen Z’s desire for both cultural connection and entertainment. “It’s kind of like a cultural nostalgia,” Lee remarked, highlighting the intrinsic link many young participants feel to their heritage through the game.

Eventbrite data shows a 179% increase in U.S. mahjong events on its platform from 2023 to 2024, underscoring the rapid growth of this trend. This surge is part of a broader movement toward “grannycore” activities, which also includes baking workshops and needlework circles. The appeal lies in the ability to engage in hands-on, non-digital activities that foster community and personal expression. According to Nicole Wong, an Oakland-based writer and advocate for the game, mahjong is “a really tactile game, and it’s really a social game. It really easily builds community among people.” Wong, who learned mahjong from her grandparents in New Zealand, has since launched an oral history project and published a book on the game’s cultural significance across the Asian diaspora.

For many Asian American participants, mahjong is not only a recreational activity but a way to reconnect with their cultural roots. Ethan Vuong, a regular at local mahjong events, views the game as a means to “connect with my Chinese heritage and make new friends.” He volunteers as an instructor, helping newcomers learn the mechanics and strategies of the game. His experience reflects a broader trend among Gen Z, for whom mahjong is more than just a hobby—it is a bridge to personal identity and communal belonging.

The YLL Mahjong Club is now planning to expand beyond San Francisco, with Lee’s sister already hosting similar events in Los Angeles. Joyce Yam, the club’s sponsorship manager, emphasized the accessibility of these gatherings, noting that many attendees have no prior experience and are taught by tutors on-site. This low barrier to entry, combined with the social and cultural appeal, has led to high demand and consistently sold-out events. As the trend continues to spread, it appears to be reshaping how young Americans engage with cultural heritage, blending tradition with modernity in a way that is both authentic and innovative.

Source:

[1] Mahjong nights draw young crowds to San Francisco bars and ... (https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/mahjong-nights-draw-young-crowds-san-francisco-bars-125314717)

[2] Mahjong Nights Draw Young Crowds to San Francisco ... (https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-09-06/mahjong-nights-draw-young-crowds-to-san-francisco-bars-and-restaurants)

[3] Mahjong nights draw young crowds to San Francisco bars ... (https://apnews.com/article/mahjong-popularity-san-francisco-chinese-game-b0dea60bce21804756c0d5c241571056)