A Guide to Things To Do In Chinatown Vancouver

Chinatown Vancouver is one of the oldest and most vibrant parts of the city. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. As Canada’s oldest Chinatown, it’s home to plenty of culture, history, and cuisine. Chinatown is a great place to explore, shop, and eat. With so many things to do, it’s no wonder that it’s one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions.

History

Chinatown has a long and storied history. Chinese immigrants first settled in Vancouver in the late 1890s, and the area quickly grew into a bustling center of commerce. By 1908, there were more than 4,000 residents living in the area. Chinatown was the hub of the city’s Chinese community and was home to many businesses, temples, and cultural institutions.

In the 1960s and 70s, Chinatown began to decline as more Chinese-Canadians moved to other parts of the city. But in the 1980s, Chinatown began to make a comeback. Businesses and cultural institutions were revitalized, and the area is now one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions.

Things To Do

Chinatown is full of exciting things to do! Here are some of the must-see attractions:

Explore the Markets

One of the best things to do in Chinatown is explore the bustling markets. From fresh produce to traditional Chinese medicine, you can find it all in Chinatown’s many markets. The most popular market is the Granville Street Market, which features over 300 vendors selling food, clothing, jewelry, and more. Other popular markets include the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Market and the Chinatown Night Market.

Visit Historic Sites

Chinatown is home to many historic sites. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is one of the most popular sites in Chinatown. The garden combines traditional Chinese design with modern landscape architecture. It’s considered one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China.

The Millennium Gate is another popular historic site in Chinatown. Built in 2002, the gate is a replica of an ancient Chinese gate and is a symbol of Vancouver’s ties to China and its Chinese-Canadian community. The nearby Chinatown Memorial Square is a memorial to the city’s Chinese pioneers and features a bronze sculpture of five Chinese workers who helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Experience the Culture

Chinatown is full of cultural experiences. The Chinese Cultural Centre Museum & Archives offers visitors an in-depth look at Chinese culture in Canada. You can learn about traditional Chinese art, architecture, and customs as well as discover the history of the Chinese-Canadian community in Vancouver.

The Chinatown Arts Club also offers cultural experiences. The club hosts events such as film screenings, art exhibitions, and workshops. It also offers a wide variety of classes and activities for all ages, from beginner language classes to cooking classes and calligraphy workshops.

Shop

Chinatown is the perfect place for shopping! Whether you’re looking for traditional Chinese arts and crafts or modern fashion, you can find it all in Chinatown’s unique shops and stores. From jewelry stores to tea shops to clothing boutiques, there’s something for everyone in Chinatown.

Eat

Chinatown is known for its amazing food. From traditional dishes like dim sum to modern takes on classic dishes like bubble tea, there’s something for everyone in Chinatown’s many restaurants. For a true taste of traditional Chinese cuisine, head to one of Chinatown’s legendary dim sum restaurants. For something a little more modern, try one of the city’s many bubble tea shops or Asian fusion restaurants.

Popular Tours

Chinatown is full of exciting activities, but if you want to experience it all in one go then a tour is the way to go! Here are two popular tours that will help you explore everything Chinatown has to offer:

Vancouver Foodie Tour

The Vancouver Foodie Tour is perfect for anyone who loves food! On this three-hour walking tour, you’ll explore some of Vancouver’s most iconic restaurants and cafes as well as some lesser-known gems. You’ll learn about the city’s food culture and history as well as sample some delicious local dishes. The tour includes stops at some of Chinatown’s best restaurants such as The Flying Pig and Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie. You can book a tour here.

Chinatown Heritage Walk

The Chinatown Heritage Walk is a great way to explore the area’s rich history and culture. On this three-hour walking tour, you’ll learn about the history of the area as well as explore some of its most iconic sites. You’ll visit landmarks such as The Millennium Gate and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden as well as visit some of Chinatown’s oldest shops and restaurants. You can book a tour here.

Conclusion

Chinatown Vancouver is a vibrant part of the city that has a lot to offer visitors. From exploring its markets and historic sites to experiencing its culture and trying its delicious food, there are so many things to do in Chinatown! Whether you want to explore on your own or take a tour, you’re sure to have an amazing time in this unique part of Vancouver!