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 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Chinatown

River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is €254 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
€254
26 Aug - 27 Aug
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! (9,501 reviews)
Great place for a Vacation stay and relax
"This is a Great place to stay. You are right on the Train line to go downtown and the airport. The location is nice you are on the water and get to see planes flyover. The rooms are comfy and clean. It was a great place to stay for a vacation. There are a couple restaurants in the casino and also ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is €247 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
€247
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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! (2,636 reviews)
"Very Clean and very nice people...the bus drivers were very helpful and excellent service"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is €248 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€248
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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! (7,172 reviews)
"The staff were extremely helpful and a pleasure to deal with. Comfy pillows and bed and a quiet room made for a great night’s sleep."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel & Resort

Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel & Resort

4 out of 5
10251 St Edwards Drive, Richmond, BC
The price is €158 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€158
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,329 reviews)
"A very nice place to stay. Pool and hot tub were well maintained and staff was extremely helpful."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel & Resort
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 €237 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€237
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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! (6,274 reviews)
"Outstanding."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel
YWCA Hotel

YWCA Hotel

2.5 out of 5
733 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
The price is €203 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
€203
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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! (2,702 reviews)
Great Pre-Cruise Visit
"We stayed here for two nights before boarding our cruise to Alaska. This was very centrally located and allowed us to branch out and explore downtown Vancouver. The room was clean, and the staff was friendly."

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

YWCA 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 neighbourhoods around Chinatown

Gastown featuring a city, café scenes 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 Hotel Europe.

Gastown
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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.

Crosstown
Downtown Vancouver showing modern architecture, a skyscraper and a city

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 café 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 which includes a monument, a city and a statue or sculpture

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

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