Chinatown Travel Guide

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 neighbourhoods, celebrated for its rich heritage and cultural traditions.

For more than a century, this neighbourhood next to the downtown business core has been a colourful and hectic centre 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 labour 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 modelled 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 colours 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


Top hotels in Chinatown

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is ₹16,330 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹16,330
₹19,133 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,149 reviews)
"I loved the place and the Staffs are all kind and always smiling."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

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 ₹18,541 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹18,541
₹23,180 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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 their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,222 reviews)
"Amazing !!!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹19,495 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹19,495
₹23,525 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,844 reviews)
"Staff was super friendly. We were able to store our luggage with them when we got off our cruise"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
YWCA Hotel
YWCA Hotel
2.5 out of 5
733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹13,436 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹13,436
₹16,214 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,518 reviews)
"Everything"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

YWCA Hotel
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
655 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹26,935 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹26,935
₹32,504 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,349 reviews)
"My future wife and I had an absolutely wonderful stay. From the moment we arrived, we were met with warm and welcoming service that immediately made us feel at home. The environment was calm, peaceful, and immaculately clean, which allowed us to truly relax and unwind. Every detail—from the attentiveness ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
4 out of 5
180 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC
The price is ₹18,710 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹18,710
₹22,578 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,318 reviews)
"This was the perfect location. Room was very clean."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
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(11 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
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Crosstown

While you're in Crosstown, take in top sights like Island View Family Golf Centre and jump on the metro at Stadium-Chinatown Station to see more of the city.

Crosstown
Downtown Vancouver showing a city, a high-rise building and modern architecture

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(354 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

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(2 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 of the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver

Chinatown Travel Guide