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$6,456 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$6,456
NT$7,564 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! (2,478 reviews)
"T"

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is NT$5,389 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
NT$5,389
NT$6,818 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
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! (9,419 reviews)
"Very big close to everything easy to get around"

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

River Rock Casino Resort
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is NT$7,555 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$7,555
NT$9,117 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! (7,077 reviews)
"best fries ever had and had good toasted western and grilled cheese for lunch"

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
YWCA Hotel

YWCA Hotel

2.5 out of 5
733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is NT$5,102 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$5,102
NT$6,157 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! (2,643 reviews)
"Easy check in. Friendly staff. Close to where I wanted to be and to the train station. Recommend."

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

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$7,872 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$7,872
NT$9,499 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! (3,160 reviews)
"Lovely hotel located in the midst of everything! Great restaurant in the hotel And a wonderful Italian place across the street. Rooms were spacious and comfortable. With wonderful ambiance! Would definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

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$7,457 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
NT$7,457
NT$8,736 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! (6,223 reviews)
Highly recommended.
"Staying here was a highlight of our trip. Comfortable clean rooms with the most comfortable bed we’ve encountered in our travels. Not one complaint. And the staff was friendly & helpful . The overall experience was exceptional. Hope to stay again."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

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

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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 Main Street while in the area.

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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.

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4.5/5(4,711 area reviews)

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Yaletown

If you're spending time in Yaletown, you might enjoy attractions like Robson Street and Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. 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
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Strathcona

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

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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.

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Chinatown