Chinatown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Tourism British Columbia
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
The price is AU$179 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
AU$179
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 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! (1,225 reviews)
"We LOVED this property! The property is beautiful with hardwood floors and a wonderful shower! The location is great and walkable to the hockey arena. They cleaned our room and refilled our Nespresso pods and waters. Silvia saw us coming back and asked if we needed anything. She was so sweet! We ..."

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

Victorian Hotel
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is AU$279 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
AU$279
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 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! (5,698 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay."

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
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$444 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
AU$444
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 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! (4,851 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 1 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$191 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$191
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 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! (1,189 reviews)
"Easy access to railway"

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
Pan Pacific Vancouver
Pan Pacific Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC
The price is AU$367 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$367
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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! (3,990 reviews)
"Swimming pool is under maintenance"

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

Pan Pacific Vancouver
River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino Resort
4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is AU$206 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$206
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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! (6,436 reviews)
"Great location airport, great accommodations and casino and dining within casino"

Reviewed on 1 Nov. 2024

River Rock Casino Resort
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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