Kristara Barrington

Born to Chinese parents who came over to the United States seeking a life full of promise and opportunity, China Lee was raised in a strict household that valued Chinese tradition and the American dream. “My parents were born in China and came to the U.S. soon after their marriage. I have three brothers and four sisters, and we were all raised according to traditional Chinese customs,” explains China, pronounced like Chee-na. “Though I was born in America, my folks still follow Oriental ways: They speak the old language, read the old books, and follow the old customs. In this sort of environment, the men dominate and females are forced into the background. I rebelled, and I'm glad I did.” With most of her family working in the restaurant industry, the black-haired, all-natural beauty traded in her apron for satin bunny ears when she was given a job at the Playboy Club in her hometown of New Orleans. “Despite the fact that I'm always on the go, success has come to me without my seeking it. I didn't apply for my Bunny job; I was discovered in a New Orleans hairdresser's shop,” says the fortunate Asian beauty. “While my girlfriends were desperate to get into the movies (and I wasn't), a movieman spotted me and gave me—not them—a bit part in The Troublemakers. I'd like to be a professional singer someday—but I'm not counting on it, so if no one discovers me I won't be disappointed. I am a Bunny at the Playboy clubs in Chicago and New York. In the past I've worked as a hairstylist and waitress.” Working as our Training Bunny at the Playboy Club, busty China was surprised when she, the trainer who shows rookie Bunnies the ropes, was promoted to a position she had never been trained for—Miss August 1964. “For me, one of the biggest benefits of being a Bunny is money. My family was never very poor—but we were never very wealthy, either. As a Bunny, I’ve been able to buy clothes I never dreamed I’d own,” says our first Asian-American Playmat