Following the Wolf of Wall Street | Into the American Financial Center

I believe everyone has seen the American biographical black comedy film 'The Wolf of Wall Street' starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film tells the story of securities fraud and money laundering that occurred on Wall Street in the 1990s. The film was a huge box office success, and to this day, when people think of Wall Street, they think of this movie. In reality, Wall Street is indeed the financial center of New York City, and today we will take you to learn more about it.

Wall Street is a narrow street in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It runs from Trinity Church at Broadway in the west to South Street near the East River in the east. Although Wall Street originally referred to the name of this street, it gradually evolved into a metonym for the surrounding area and can also refer to the financial markets and institutions that have a significant impact on the U.S. economy.

Many important U.S. financial institutions are located on Wall Street, including the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, and the New York Futures Exchange. In addition, the offices of banks, insurance, shipping, and railway companies established by the Rothschild family, Morgan family, Rockefeller oil magnate, Goldman Sachs, and Du Pont family are concentrated here. It is easy to imagine that huge amounts of hot money flow into this financial center every day. When you come to New York, you must take time to visit.

"Bull market" is a term used to describe an optimistic outlook with rising stock prices. With such a good omen, how could Wall Street be without a bull? The Charging Bull of Wall Street is a symbol of this area. This bronze bull sculpture weighs 3,200 kilograms. The massive bull has its rump raised and head slightly lowered, as if charging forward, a posture symbolizing the optimism and prosperity of a bull market. The bull sculpture is not only a popular attraction visited by thousands of people daily but also one of New York's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the Wall Street financial district.

You may not know that the Charging Bull was not originally located in its current position. Its creator is an artist from Sicily, Italy, named Arturo Di Modica. After living in the United States for many years, Di Modica wanted to create something that would make a splash and gain recognition. One day, he realized that Wall Street is the heart of global finance, and placing his work there would attract attention. So, Di Modica began creating a bronze bull, planning to place it in front of the New York Stock Exchange on Christmas Day 1989, to wish for a bull market in the coming year.

After nearly two years of work, on December 15, 1989, at midnight, Di Modica used a large truck to secretly transport his 3,200-kilogram bronze bull to the giant Christmas tree in front of the New York Stock Exchange. Di Modica initially chose the sidewalk in front of the New York Stock Exchange as its location. At that time, to ensure the bull's safety, police patrolled around it every night at 8 p.m.

The bull was eventually moved to its current home on Broadway, which intersects with Wall Street. The Charging Bull is a symbol of "strength and courage," implying that as long as the bull remains, the stock market will continue to be bullish.

New York Stock Exchange (Free)

Before its merger with Euronext, the New York Stock Exchange was the second-largest stock exchange in the world. It was once the largest exchange until its trading volume was surpassed by NASDAQ in 1996. At the end of April 2005, the NYSE acquired Archipelago, becoming a for-profit entity. On June 1, 2006, the NYSE announced its merger with Euronext to form NYSE Euronext.

When you visit the New York Stock Exchange, strolling through the lobby, you will see all kinds of people, all with the same goal: to make a fortune from the ups and downs of the stock market. Coming here, you might marvel that whether investments ultimately profit or lose depends entirely on the investor's insight and wisdom, and it can all happen in an instant!

Trump Building (Free)

The Trump Building is a skyscraper in New York City, located at 40 Wall Street, between Nassau and William Streets in Manhattan. Originally known as the Manhattan Company Building, it was later renamed 40 Wall Street after the merger of the Manhattan Company and the Chase National Bank. In 1995, former U.S. President Donald Trump purchased the building and renamed it to its current name, which remains in use. The building has 70 floors and was completed in 1930, taking only 11 months to build. At the time, it was the tallest building in the world, later surpassed by the Chrysler Building, and it is now the 20th tallest building in the United States.

How to Make Money: Wall Street Walking Tour

Join the Wall Street Walking Tour to learn about the stock market crash after 9/11, aggressive economic growth, and the rebirth of Lower Manhattan.

On this walking tour, you can learn about stock market crashes and financial crises, the robber barons and their impact on New York's economy, and the effects of aggressive economic growth on local communities. A knowledgeable guide will take you through the history of Wall Street and introduce you to the pioneers and great figures who made Wall Street the global financial hub it is today.

Along the way, you will see many famous buildings and sculptures, including the New York Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull, Trinity Church, Fraunces Tavern, the 9/11 Memorial, and more.

Circle Line Liberty Cruise

Passengers on the Liberty Cruise can enjoy views of many famous New York landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center. The scenery along the way is stunning and refreshing. Additionally, a guide provides live commentary throughout the cruise, enriching your understanding of New York's history.

Before returning to Manhattan, you will sail to within a few feet of the Statue of Liberty, giving you the chance to admire this magnificent sculpture up close. Don't forget to take out your phone and capture the moment. The Liberty Cruise has both outdoor and indoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the cruise in any weather. If it gets too cold, you can go inside the cabin, where large panoramic windows ensure you won't miss the beautiful views.

From the top of the Empire State Building, you can overlook Wall Street and take in the entire street's scenery.

The Empire State Building's name derives from the nickname of New York State—the Empire State. The building is one of the most famous landmarks and tourist attractions in New York City and the United States. It is currently the 7th tallest building in the United States and the Americas, and the 51st tallest in the world. It held the title of the world's tallest building for the longest period. The building is 381 meters tall with 103 floors, and an antenna added in 1951 increased its total height to 443 meters. It is an Art Deco building that began construction in 1930 and was completed in 1931, taking only 410 days—a record construction speed rarely seen in the world.