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

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 ฿6,375 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
฿6,375
฿8,014 total
16 Sept - 17 Sept
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9,518 reviews)
"Gorgeous place"

Reviewed on 22 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 ฿8,012 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
฿8,012
฿9,386 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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! (2,652 reviews)
"Staff are very nice and helpful"

Reviewed on 21 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 ฿7,759 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
฿7,759
฿9,363 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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! (7,195 reviews)
"Great staff and the food we did have was excellent. Rooms could be updated some"

Reviewed on 22 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 ฿5,144 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
฿5,144
฿6,016 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,313 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 19 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 ฿7,681 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿7,681
฿8,999 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6,269 reviews)
Above and beyond
"Fairmount went above and beyond to accommodate us with early check in and late check out during the Air Canada lock out."

Reviewed on 21 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 ฿5,543 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
฿5,543
฿7,692 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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! (2,700 reviews)
"Reasonable pricing"

Reviewed on 20 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 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 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 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