Chinatown

Vancouver

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


Chinatown Hotel Deals

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is NT$6,422 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$6,422
NT$7,524 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,511 reviews)
"The staff especially was great. Jose in particular was very nice and helpful."

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9,439 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Nice and clean and staff are nice and friendly."

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

River Rock Casino Resort
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is NT$7,516 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$7,516
NT$9,069 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7,119 reviews)
"Excellent service and room quality. It was refreshing to stay here after staying at a few new minimalistic brands that they only offer one body wash for body and hair, no complimentary water, etc"

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
YWCA Hotel

YWCA Hotel

2.5 out of 5
733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is NT$5,075 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$5,075
NT$6,125 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,659 reviews)
"Much enjoyed my stay and would stay again when going through Vancouver. The staff was really friendly and helpful. Very good location. Walking most everywhere easy."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

YWCA Hotel
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

4.5 out of 5
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
The price is NT$7,830 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$7,830
NT$9,449 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,150 reviews)
"Location was ideal for going to a concert. The staff were really nice. The room was amazing."

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
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 NT$7,097 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
NT$7,097
NT$8,315 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6,231 reviews)
"Great place to stay! Have stayed before and look forward to staying again."

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

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
Default Image

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 which includes a city, modern architecture and a skyscraper

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(4,711 area reviews)

Central business district meets diverse neighborhoods, featuring high-rise apartments, Granville Mall, Gastown Steam Clock, and Sun Tower. Easily accessible via SkyTrain, SeaBus, and water taxis.

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 featuring a statue or sculpture, a monument and a city

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 Rogers Arena and hop on the metro to see more the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver


Chinatown