Chinatown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Tourism British Columbia
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Cathy Lukovich
Photo provided by Tourism BC/JF Bergeron
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Tom Ryan
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Dannielle Hayes
North America’s third-largest Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s busiest neighborhoods, celebrated for its rich heritage and cultural traditions.

For more than a century, this neighborhood next to the downtown business core has been a colorful and hectic center of exotic cuisines, open-air markets, herbalists, restaurants and stores.

Chinatown’s origins are entwined with the history of Vancouver itself. This small lumbar town expanded rapidly after the completion of the transcontinental railway, built by 17,000 Chinese immigrants, in the late 1800s. Many of the immigrants who made up the labor force stayed on and worked in other industries, building a community around the boarding houses where they lived.

A large percentage of Vancouver’s Chinese residents have moved to Richmond and other suburban communities, but there are still many authentic restaurants and shops in Chinatown. You’ll discover family-run markets selling Asian spices, fresh fish caught that day, and Chinese delicacies like pig snouts and chicken feet. No trip to Chinatown is complete without experiencing a traditional Dim Sum meal, which are generally served until early afternoon. Try classic dishes such as sui mai (pork dumplings) and congee (thick rice soup).

For some urban serenity spend a little time in Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This is a beautiful green open space named after the founder and president of the Republic of China and modeled after gardens that were popular during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). As with all gardens of that time, it’s based on the harmony of four main elements: rocks, plants, water, and architecture, to create a perfect balance. Among the highlights are a pond of jade green water and Tai Hu rocks imported from Lake Tai near Suzhou in Eastern China. They are thought to entice lucky spirits into the garden. As the light changes watch how these rocks change as different textures and colors are revealed.

Visit the Chinatown Night Market for a totally different experience than during the daylight hours. This frenetic downtown evening market lures locals and tourists alike with its aromatic foods, Asian handcrafts, and inexpensive designer knock-offs. Above the din of hawkers and shoppers you’ll hear live music coming from the stage as local bands provide a melodic backdrop on most nights.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Chinatown Hotel Deals

Victorian Hotel
Victorian Hotel
3 out of 5
514 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundable
The price is AU$167 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
AU$167
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,241 reviews)
"The room was very nice and had one without a bathroom. Staff were excellent"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Victorian Hotel
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is AU$264 per night from 17 Dec to 18 Dec
AU$264
includes taxes & fees
17 Dec - 18 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,726 reviews)
"We loved the friendly and accommodating staff ALL staff were fantastic!"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino Resort
4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is AU$141 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
AU$141
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Richmond. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (6,566 reviews)
"I liked that this property was convenient to both the skytrain and the bus link to the ferry terminal"

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

River Rock Casino Resort
Rosedale On Robson Suite Hotel
Rosedale On Robson Suite Hotel
3.5 out of 5
838 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is AU$235 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
AU$235
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,201 reviews)
"Location, Location, Location. The Rosedale was the excellent hub for all our events on our agenda. We were here to enjoy all the activities including the Grey Cup Game. Everything we want to be involved with was within walking distance. Top drawer restaurants close by. For us, we didn’t spend much ..."

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Rosedale On Robson Suite Hotel
Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel
Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel
4.5 out of 5
3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC
The price is AU$448 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
AU$448
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,906 reviews)
"Always love it here. Amazing service and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is AU$241 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
AU$241
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,227 reviews)
"Staff were really nice"

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

Gastown which includes a city, café lifestyle and street scenes

Gastown

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

Gastown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Gastown Steam Clock or Main Street.

Gastown
Downtown Vancouver showing a city, a high-rise building and modern architecture

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(406 area reviews)

Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are a few top attractions in Downtown Vancouver. Hop around the city on the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station and check out the area's captivating waterfront views, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Vancouver
Yaletown showing street scenes, a city and night scenes

Yaletown

Take time in Yaletown to visit attractions like Robson Street and Vancouver False Creek Seawall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Yaletown-Roundhouse Station to see more of the city.

Yaletown
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Strathcona

5/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the cafes and shopping in Strathcona. You might want to make time for a stop at Main Street or Jimi Hendrix Shrine.

Strathcona
Gastown showing outdoor art, a statue or sculpture and a city

Central Vancouver

3/5(1 area review)

If you're spending time in Central Vancouver, check out sights like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal or Rogers Arena and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver
Vancouver showing street scenes and a park

Mount Pleasant

4/5(14 area reviews)

Take time in Mount Pleasant to visit attractions like Olympic Village and Main Street. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Broadway-City Hall Station to see more of the city.

Mount Pleasant

Chinatown Travel Guide

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