A First Timers Guide To Vancouver’s Chinatown

As with many Canadian cities, Vancouver is home to a wealth of different cultures and nationalities. Drawn to the high quality of living and the wealth of jobs, attractions and natural beauty, the people of Vancouver are a collage of nationalities. Whether you’re visiting restaurants near Granville Island or you’re cycling Stanley Park, you’ll undoubtedly see many different people from all parts of the world living in Vancouver. None more so though, than the Chinese population of the city.

With the 2011 census of Vancouver residents showing that 27.7% of the population are of Chinese origin, it’s unsurprising that one of the most prominent features of multicultural Vancouver is Chinatown, one of the largest in the Western hemisphere. Whether you’re visiting the restaurants or steam rooms in Vancouver, make sure to visit the city’s Chinatown for an insight into the vast influence of Chinese culture on Vancouver. This blog will explore some of the top attractions and landmarks in this expansive, scenic and historic district.

Why Vancouver?

Vancouver’s Chinese population bega to increase rapidly in the late 19th century due to the British Columbia Gold Rush in the 1850s, attracting workers and fortune seekers to the Vancouver area, moving in businesses to the area that is now known historically as Chinatown. Though relations were tense in the early 20th century due to discrimination from white locals, the 70s’ and 80s’ saw a reemergence of Chinese emigration to the city and led to the addition of Chinese architecture and shopping, eating and nightlife in the area. In 2022, this historic district is venerated as an integral part of the Vancouver cityscape.

Getting To Chinatown

Chinatown is easy to reach from L’Hermitage Vancouver Hotel, just a fifteen minute walk up Richard Street and a right on W Pender Street. Local stations for those travelling from further afield include the Canada Line and Skytrain to Stadium – Chinatown Station. Chinatown itself is bounded by the northern Hastings Street, Taylor Street on the west side, Georgia Street on the south and Gore Street to the east.

Chinatown Shopping

Shopping in Chinatown is not surprisingly focused on Chinese goods. There’s a diverse range to explore in Chinatown, including antiques, novelty gifts, Chinese herbal medicines, fashion and home furnishing. There are many Chinese ingredients and foodstuffs as well, providing locals and tourists with spices, recipes and foods imported from China.

Chinese Cultural Centre

The go-to hub for those wanting to learn more about Vancouver’s Chinese history, the Chinese Cultural Centre has archives and records for research purposes as well as a permanent gallery exploring the history of Chinatown. Furthermore, for guests of hotels near Vancouver art galleries looking to diversify their museum stops, the Chinese Cultural Centre often programmes temporary exhibitions by prominent Canadian-Chinese artists.

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden

Built in the 80s’ to promote cultural understanding, this is one of the first Chinese gardens to be built outside of the country. This beautiful and compact garden is located at 578 Carrall Street and utilises the same design principles as many Chinese gardens. Inspired by taoism and feng shui, the garden contrasts craggy rocks and still ponds with delicate plants such as bamboo. There are several free to enter areas of the garden as well as ticketed parts for those who want a more in depth and serene experience.