Upcoming Events
The 47th Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival 2020 - January 26 (Sun) 11am
The Chinese New Year Parade will return for the 47th time on Sunday, January 26th, 2020. This signature event of Vancouver's Chinatown will feature lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performances and much more. This is an annual cultural extravaganza not to be missed. The parade will begin at 11 am. The Year of the Rat in the Chinese Lunar calendar will begin on Saturday, January 25th in 2020. Come see the sights and hear the sounds of the festivities!
For full program details, click here.
Vancouver Chinatown Festival 2020 - July 11 (Sat)
This summer, the Vancouver Chinatown BIA Society will once again host the always anticipated Vancouver Chinatown Festival in our neighborhood (Columbia & Keefer Street).
We expect over 50,000 participants will converge on the streets of Columbia and Keefer in historic Chinatown to experience one of Vancouver's largest multicultural summer celebrations. Festival activities includes a Day Market, Chinatown Walking Tour, Kids Corner, Multicultural Stage Performances, Cultural Corner, and an evening Streetfest block party!
To discuss Sponsorship & partnership opportunities, please contact:
vcbia@vancouver-chinatown.com
or visit:
www.chinatownfestival.ca/get-involved
Volunteer opportunities, please contact:
or download and complete the form:
Our Story
One of the Largest Chinatowns in the World
One of Vancouver’s few distinct cultural historic neighbourhoods, Chinatown has a universal appeal to locals, tourists, as well as a growing number of emerging chefs, artists, and small business entrepreneurs. The distinct character of buildings are preserved by a heritage designation with murals and window art telling the stories of early Chinese pioneers.
Between 1886-1920, the first wave of Chinese immigrants settled around Carrall Street and Dupont (now Pender) Street. By 1890, the area was home to more than 1,000 Chinese residents. One of the earliest community institutions evolved around the creation of the first of three Chinese opera theatres, the first built in 1890s. In a parallel setting, Canton Alley and Shanghai Alley were named in 1904 with Canton Alley serving as a a point of convergence for trade, political, and cultural activities which fostered the growth and expansion of Chinatown.
Today’s Chinatown is a destination neighbourhood attracting people from across British Columbia and also international tourists. With numerous new attractions and activities nearby, Chinatown is the most complete area with its growing number of renowned restaurants and boutique retail for every budget while honouring the memory of early settlers of our community.
Our Shops
Eat, Shop and Explore
In Chinatown, you'll find the old and new in perfect harmony: everything you love about traditional Chinese culture and modern new establishments that excites you.
