PRESERVATION OF CHINESE CULTURE IN MEDAN CITY: BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY

Abstract

This study explores the preservation of Chinese cultural heritage in Medan, a city with a long history of Chinese settlement and cultural influence. As modernization accelerates, various traditional practices, architectural forms, and cultural values within the Chinese community have experienced noticeable shifts. Using a literature-based research approach, this study reviews books, academic journals, historical records, and previous research to understand how Chinese cultural traditions are maintained and transformed in contemporary Medan.The results show that core cultural practices such as Lunar New Year celebrations, Cap Go Meh rituals, and ancestral worship remain actively observed and continue to play an important role in strengthening family bonds and community cohesion. Heritage sites like the Tjong A Fie Mansion, old Chinese shophouses in Kesawan, and long-standing temples also illustrate the enduring presence of Chinese culture in the city. However, modernization has influenced several aspects of cultural expression. Many traditional homes have been converted into commercial venues, some rituals are practiced only symbolically by younger generations, and cultural familiarity has shifted due to media exposure and changing social preferences.This study highlights that meaningful cultural preservation requires cooperation between local authorities, community organizations, heritage managers, and the general public. Preservation efforts should not only focus on maintaining physical heritage but also support cultural activities that keep traditions relevant