Vancouver's Historical Chinatown
Downtown's Chinatown represents one of Vancouver’s most important historical sites. It stretches from Carrall to Gore (on Pender), and from Main to Gore (on Keefer Street); it is surrounded by Gastown, Yaletown, and Downtown Vancouver. Vancouver’s Chinatown is North America’s second largest, and reflects the dominant Chinese minority group in Vancouver.
Chinatown History
Historically, Chinese immigrants came to Canada to work on roads and railways as early as 1874. As a result, there is an authentic oriental ambiance within Chinatown, which submerses you in Chinese tradition and culture. Chinatown offers a myriad of markets bursting with seafood, produce, herbal remedies, arts and crafts, and reasonable house wares. Don’t miss the Open Air Night Market, which operates in the summer months (weekends) and extends from Keefer to Pender Street.
Things To See in Chinatown
Chinatown Centers around the Chinese Cultural Center Museum and Archives; it features a Ming Dynasty styled building, exhibits, and themes such as the Gold Rush, Chinese Canadian Military, and traditional Chinese calligraphy. View the majestic Millennium Gate, which was built in 2002 to celebrate the Chinese community within Vancouver and mark the Millennium; it is located on Pender and Taylor streets. The West Han Dynasty Bell is another impressive attraction; it is the centerpiece for the historical alley in Chinatown and was a gift from the City of Guangzhou to the City of Vancouver. Be sure to see the Sam Kee Building, which is the world’s narrowest building at only 1.8 meters wide. Another popular tourist attraction is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Opened in 1986 for Expo, the garden was built by a team of 52 experts from the city of Suzhou, and represents the first full scale Classical Chinese garden to be built outside of China.
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver
50 East Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6A 3V6
(604) 658-8865 Fax (604) 687-6260
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
578 Carrall Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5K2
(604) 662-3207 Fax: (604) 682-4008