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

Skwachàys Lodge
Skwachàys Lodge
2.5 out of 5
31 West Pender, Vancouver, BC
The price is AU$387 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
AU$387
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and 2 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Rogers ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautifully themed rooms Front desk staff was very friendly and went above and beyond in accommodating our needs Area has a large homeless population, however we felt comfortable walking around the streets. Several restaurants nearby and close to Rogers Arena"

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

Skwachàys Lodge
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is AU$271 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
AU$271
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 Mar
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! (6,217 reviews)
"Pretty decent gym, if that’s your thing. Great service at front desk and restaurant. Excellent location!"

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino Resort
4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is AU$225 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$225
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Richmond. Enjoy a full-service spa, 5 restaurants, and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,460 reviews)
"Staff at reception and valet were very helpful and friendly. Valet attendant went out of his way to help us with our luggage and parking. Reception staff were friendly and very accommodating."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Pan Pacific Vancouver
Pan Pacific Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC
The price is AU$326 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$326
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,286 reviews)
"Very good and clean and check in and out was easy"

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2025

Pan Pacific Vancouver
YWCA Hotel
YWCA Hotel
2.5 out of 5
733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is AU$171 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$171
includes taxes & fees
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,125 reviews)
"The property was nice and close to my event venue, which was perfect! All the staff were friendly & helpful."

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2025

YWCA Hotel
Fairmont Waterfront
Fairmont Waterfront
4.5 out of 5
900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, BC
The price is AU$371 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
AU$371
includes taxes & fees
14 Mar - 15 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,782 reviews)
"This is honestly one of the best, if not the best hotel I’ve stayed at."

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2025

Fairmont Waterfront
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
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Crosstown

While you're in Crosstown, take in top sights like Chinatown Millennium Gate and jump on the metro at Stadium-Chinatown Station to see more of the city.

Crosstown
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 Rogers Arena 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

Chinatown Travel Guide

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