The game was popular in Shanghai in the mid- to late 1800s where it was part of the nightlife and courtesan halls. By the turn of the century, it was popular enough to be played in the royal palace of Beijing. The game continued to spread to Japan, throughout Southeast Asia, and eventually the United States in the 1920s where it made a mark with the president's family and movie stars in high-society. The game fell out of fashion in the United States during World War I, but was picked up again by the Jewish community in the 1930s. In the early 20th century, the game was banned in China due to its outlook on gambling, but the ban was lifted during Chinese New Years which ironically added to its popularity. The game was completely banned in China during the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976 due to its association with capitalism. The 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians lead to a surge of interest for the game for tourists in Singapore. The game was trending in TikTok for GenZ and Millenials during the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to create social connections and improve mental health. Today, there are several dedicated clubs for Mahjong throughout the United States, and hotels would even host events.
