Chinatown

Vancouver
Photo provided by Tourism BC/Cathy Lukovich
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

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Chinatown Hotel Deals

Victorian Hotel
Victorian Hotel
3 out of 5
514 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is ¥28,618 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥28,618
per night
May 26 - May 27
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! (1,050 reviews)
"The property was very nicely designed and styled. It was small, but cozy. The staff was incredible and took care of every need that you had. Friendly efficient, and a very nice stay overall."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Victorian Hotel
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥38,626 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥38,626
per night
May 19 - May 20
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! (4,673 reviews)
"overall a very good stay....no issues or problems"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥40,221 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥40,221
per night
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,279 reviews)
"It was a great hotel in a great location."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Pan Pacific Vancouver
Pan Pacific Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC
The price is ¥43,993 per night from May 20 to May 21
¥43,993
per night
May 20 - May 21
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,221 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay at the Pan Pacific. Staff were very friendly. Hotel restaurant was nice. Decor a bit outdated but the hotel is clean and has a nice feel to it. Very convenient for shopping and dining. Outside area in front of the hotel can get a bit chaotic with all the cruise ships but they keep ..."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Pan Pacific Vancouver
River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino Resort
4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is ¥31,594 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥31,594
per night
May 27 - May 28
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! (5,099 reviews)
"The location is good for getting to Vancouver downtown with the skytrain. Swimming pool great for relaxing. There's construction going on in the facility, at the moment, so that can be distracting."

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

River Rock Casino Resort
Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel
Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel
4.5 out of 5
3111 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥38,990 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥38,990
per night
May 19 - May 20
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! (3,839 reviews)
"Excellent option"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel
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 neighborhoods around Chinatown

Gastown featuring a city, street scenes and cafe scenes

Gastown

3.5/5(150 area reviews)

Gastown is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Gastown Steam Clock and Hotel Europe while in the area.

Gastown
Downtown Vancouver which includes a city, modern architecture and a skyscraper

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(4,711 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Vancouver. Top attractions like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are major draws. Catch the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station to see more of the city.

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

Yaletown

If you're spending time in Yaletown, you might enjoy attractions like Robson Street and Vancouver False Creek Seawall. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Yaletown-Roundhouse Station to see more of the city.

Yaletown
The Neoclassical Revival Pacific Central Station was completed in 1919 for the Canadian Northern Railway. It serves as the terminus for both the Amtrak Cascades and VIA Rail’s The Canadian. 

In 1993, the station was converted to a multi-modal transportation facility that includes intercity buses; it stands across Thornton Park from the Skytrain monorail stations.

Strathcona

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

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 signage, street scenes and outdoor eating

Central Vancouver

2.5/5(4 area reviews)

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

Central Vancouver
Vancouver featuring a garden and street scenes

Mount Pleasant

3.5/5(116 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Mount Pleasant for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Olympic Village and Main Street. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Broadway-City Hall Station.

Mount Pleasant


Chinatown