The Chinatown in Vancouver, BC is the largest in Canada. The area was inhabited around 1885 and is one of the earliest established neighbourhoods in the city. Over its history, buildings have survived, Chinese culture has endured hard times and prospered, and visitors from all over the world now regard it as a China away from China.
Chinatown Stores and Shopping
Sprawling over about five blocks east-west and four blocks north-south, the shopping in Chinatown includes both fresh (and cheap!) groceries, herbs and produce, as well as Oriental furniture, traditional clothing and gorgeous jewellery.
Home décor seekers can try:
Forum Home Appliances (119- 180 Keefer Street, 604-688-1626) for unique creations from around the world
Bamboo Village (135 East Pender Street, 604-662-3300) for a plethora of items from paper lanterns to bamboo products
Peking Lounge (83 East Pender Street, 604-844-1559) for a mix of Chinese antiques and modern design
Far East Creations (101- 180 Keefer Street, 604-689-4778) and Good Fortune Jewellery-Antique (234 Keefer Street, 604-633-1368) carry Asian designs for the most meticulous of tastes. In terms of produce and herbs, just walk between Main Street and Gore Avenue from East Pender to East Georgia Streets for an array of colourful food at fabulous prices.
Chinese Restaurants in Chinatown
Possibly the most popular (and largest) Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown is Floata Seafood Restaurant (400- 180 Keefer Street, 604-602-0368). Foo’s Ho Ho Restaurant (102 East Pender Street, 604-609-2889) and Jade Dynasty Restaurant (137 East Pender Street, 604-683-8816) are also well-liked.
Great for picking up treats:
The Boss Bakery & Restaurant (532-534 Main Street, 604-683-6860)
Maxim’s Bakery (257 Keefer Street, 604-688-6281)
New Town Bakery & Restaurant (158 East Pender Street, 604-689-7835)
Chinatown Festivals and Events
Vancouver Chinatown wouldn’t be as thriving as it is without its annual festivals, markets and events. Each year the Chinatown Night Market takes place from mid-May to September on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (100 block of Keefer Street, 6:30pm-11:00pm).
Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout the streets, where thousands of people converge to watch the parade, entertainment and lots of eating. Also every year is the Chinatown Arts & Cultural Festival (50 East Pender Street, every Saturday in July), where an open stage welcomes diverse performances from China, South Asia, Japan and the First Nations culture.
Vancouver Chinatown
For more information about Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, visit this website. To help plan a trip to Vancouver, ask the folks at the Vancouver Touristinfo Centre (604) 683-2000).
