Chinatown Vancouver Things To Do

Vancouver is a fantastic city to visit, with plenty of amazing things to do and to see. It’s a great place to explore and experience the best of Canada. The city is known for its stunning landscape, vibrant culture, and diverse neighbourhoods. One of the most interesting neighbourhoods in Vancouver is Chinatown. Chinatown is one of the oldest and most iconic neighbourhoods in the city, and it’s full of fascinating history, culture, and attractions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best things to do in Chinatown Vancouver, so you can get the most out of your visit.

Exploring Chinatown’s History and Culture

Chinatown has been a part of Vancouver since the late 1800s, and it’s one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in Canada. It’s full of cultural landmarks, such as the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the Chinatown Night Market, and the Chinatown Heritage Centre. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is an incredible place to visit, with its tranquil ponds, lush landscaping, and ornate pavilions. The Chinatown Night Market is a great place to get a taste of local culture, with lots of local vendors selling their wares, as well as street musicians and performers. And the Chinatown Heritage Centre is an educational and interactive museum that tells the history and culture of Chinatown through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Check Out the Shops and Eateries

Chinatown is also full of great shops and eateries. You can find everything from traditional Chinese markets and shops, to independent stores and boutiques. And of course, you can find some of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Whether you’re looking for dim sum, dumplings, noodles, or any other type of Chinese cuisine, Chinatown has it all. There are also plenty of coffee shops, bakeries, and other eateries to enjoy.

Take a Tour of Chinatown

If you want to get the most out of your visit to Chinatown, then you should consider taking a tour. There are several companies that offer guided tours of Chinatown, such as Viator and GetYourGuide. These tours will take you through the streets of Chinatown, and you’ll learn about the history and culture of the neighbourhood, as well as get insider tips about the best places to eat and shop.

Visit the Famous Sites and Monuments

Chinatown is also home to some of the most famous sites and monuments in Vancouver. The most notable monument is the Chinatown Millennium Gate, which was built in 2002 to commemorate the centennial of the first Chinese immigrants to Canada. There are also several statues and monuments throughout Chinatown, such as the Monument to the Chinese Railroad Workers, and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial.

Additional Tips

When visiting Chinatown Vancouver, it’s important to keep in mind a few tips. First, be aware of the cultural differences between Chinatown and other parts of the city. For example, Chinese people speak Mandarin, and it’s common for them to eat with chopsticks. It’s also important to dress appropriately, as Chinatown is quite conservative. Finally, it’s important to be aware of the local laws and customs, as they can be quite different from other parts of the city.

Chinatown Vancouver is an amazing place to explore and experience the best of Canada. It’s full of fascinating history, culture, and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, a delicious meal, or a glimpse into the past, Chinatown has it all. So be sure to add it to your itinerary when you visit Vancouver!

Insider’s Guide to Vancouver’s Chinatown: Uncovering the Hidden Gems

Welcome to Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest in North America. Beyond the bustling markets, cultural festivals, and Chinese cuisine, there are also many hidden gems waiting to be discovered by tourists who want to have a unique and memorable experience. In this insider’s guide, we will explore some off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will reveal the soul of this vibrant and dynamic neighborhood.

Local Attractions: Discovering the Hidden Gems

While the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Sam Kee Building are popular landmarks to visit, Chinatown has hidden gems that only locals know. Visit the Rennie Museum, an art gallery that showcases contemporary works by Filipino and Vietnamese artists. Take a stroll through the Chinatown Memorial Plaza, a peaceful garden honoring the Chinese immigrants who played a significant role in building the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Another must-visit attraction is the Wing Sang Building, one of Vancouver’s oldest surviving structures, built-in 1889. It was among the first merchant buildings in Vancouver and served as a hub for the city’s early Chinese immigrants. Today, it houses the Rennie Museum, and the main floor is home to the contemporary art space, Rennie Collection; both are free to the public.

Dining Spots: Savoring the Local Cuisine

Vancouver’s Chinatown is a haven for food lovers, with an array of authentic Chinese and Pan-Asian dishes to try. But, hidden amongst the popular spots are lesser-known eateries that showcase the diverse and rich food culture of the Chinese community.

Start your day with a visit to New Town Bakery, famous for their baked goods – from egg tarts to pork buns to pineapple buns. Try Hon’s Wonton House, a family-owned and operated restaurant specializing in fresh noodles and wontons. Not only is the food excellent, but the story behind Hon’s Wonton House is also fascinating. It was started by a Hong Kong immigrant, whose grandson now runs the restaurant and has preserved the family’s traditions.

For dinner, stop by Kissa Tanto for Italian-Japanese fusion cuisine. The restaurant is housed above an antique shop, so expect to climb a narrow staircase to reach the intimate dining space. The menu includes dishes like Tonno e Fagioli, Sablefish Tempura, and Okonomiyaki, and the cocktails are superb.

Cultural Experiences: Embracing the Traditions

To gain a better appreciation of the Chinese culture, attend the annual Chinese New Year parade. The parade includes lion dancers, folk dancers, martial artists, and drummers and marks the beginning of the lunar new year. Visit the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum to learn more about the Chinese Canadian experience and see exhibitions showcasing Chinese art and artifacts.

Another unique experience is the Chinatown History Windows, an outdoor exhibit showcasing historical photographs and stories detailing the neighborhood’s history. This walk-through exhibit takes you on a journey through Chinatown’s early beginnings to its current revitalization.

Local History: Captivating Stories from the Past

Chinatown’s history is rich with captivating stories of overcoming adversity and resilience, particularly during the city’s early years. One of those stories is about Mary Lee Chan, who founded the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, which was established to offer recreation and social opportunities for the Chinese community. Mary’s fearless spirit led her to be a trailblazer for gender and race equality, in turn breaking down the social barriers that her community had faced.

Another fascinating piece of history is the story of Jimi Hendrix. His grandmother lived in Vancouver and visited Chinatown frequently. While some of Hendrix’s relatives still live in the area, you can visit his grandmother’s house on Union Street, where he stayed during his visits to Vancouver.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

Take a stroll through the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, where you can learn about the ancient practice of feng shui and enjoy the beauty of the garden’s pavilions, ponds, and rocks.

For a unique experience, visit the Treasure Green Tearoom, which pairs dim sum dumplings with rare and freshly brewed teas. The owner, Olivia, is a tea connoisseur and can guide you through the sensory experience of pairing teas with different flavors and textures of dim sum.

Don’t forget to check out the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden’s public parkade murals. The murals, created by artists, capture the spirit and essence of the neighborhood.

In conclusion, Vancouver’s Chinatown is a vibrant part of the city with a rich history, unique cuisine, and cultural experiences that go beyond the conventional. By stepping off the beaten path and exploring the hidden gems, you can truly immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s colorful and diverse culture.