Chinatown, Vancouver

Chinatown, situated in Vancouver, stands as Canada's most expansive Chinatown. It revolves around Pender Street and is encircled by various areas: Gastown to the north, the western Downtown financial and central business districts, the Georgia Viaduct and False Creek inlet to the south, the northeastern Downtown Eastside and remnants of old Japantown, and the southeastern residential enclave of Strathcona.

Vancouver boasts a significant ethnic Chinese presence, predominantly composed of Cantonese-speaking multi-generational Chinese Canadians and first-generation immigrants from Hong Kong. This cultural blend has earned the city the moniker "Hongcouver." However, recent immigration trends have shown a rise in Mandarin-speaking individuals from Mainland China.

In the present day, the neighborhood boasts an array of traditional restaurants, banks, markets, clinics, tea shops, apparel boutiques, and various stores catering to both the local community and visitors. The Vancouver branch of Sing Tao Daily, one of the city's four Chinese-language newspapers, maintains its presence in Chinatown. From 2003 to 2010, OMNI British Columbia (formerly Channel M) operated its television studio in the same vicinity. Additionally, the Chinatown locale hosts a satellite location of the Vancouver Film School. Notably, nestled within the heart of Chinatown (formerly Ming’s Restaurant) is the renowned bar and nightclub recognized as the ‘Fortune Sound Club.’

Chinatown continues to allure a substantial number of tourists and holds the distinction of being one of the most expansive historic Chinatowns in North America. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the neighborhood received the designation of a National Historic Site of Canada in 2011.

Tip:
Don't go after 6pm because most of the shops will be closed.
You will be approached by panhandlers at any time of day, but if you just say "no" firmly then they will not trouble you further.