Find the Best Things to Do in Chinatown
By Natasha John
Vancouver Local Expert
About Chinatown
Photo courtesy of Daniel Dionne (Flickr)
North America's second largest Chinatown makes this a fun neighborhood to check out and find a few unique trinkets to take back home and remember your diverse trip to Vancouver. Not only do locals love coming to this area to pick up some tasty treats, but it's one of the busiest tourist friendly neighborhoods in Vancouver and will make you feel as though you've been transported to a different country. The multicultural neighborhoods found in Vancouver are so important when it comes to what makes Vancouver such a special city to both visit, and live in. Over the year Chinatown has continued to build itself up and expand the number of businesses that call the area their home. In the last few year, and in many more to come, there has been a huge increase in the number of apartments and new residents living in both new and older apartments.
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See & Do
There are a number of unique and interesting attractions in Chinatown and they range from the authentic to the down right bizarre. The Millennium Gate is beautifully intricate and is the main indication that you are on your way into Vancouver's Chinatown. It's a popular tourist attraction and the perfect photo opportunity. One of the most serene attractions in Vancouver can be found here, visit the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens for a very zen afternoon. The Vancouver Police Museum is right on the cusp of Chinatown and well worth a visit. There you will find see all sorts of strange things packed in plastic containers inside the old morgue.
Eat
From cheap bakery treats, to a delicious meal at one of Vancouver's favorite restaurants, you will find something to satisfy your cravings and fit your budget. This is the area of town where you will find all sorts of interesting ingredients; have you ever seen a dehydrated lizard on a stick? If not, you will definitely see them here. There are a number of seafood shops where the fish is so fresh that they are swimming right in front of you. The bakeries are filled with sweet treats that are very easy on the wallet and even better on the tummy. Have a soft spot for roasted duck and other juicy meats? You will be tempted by the glistening crispy skin as you walk past a number of restaurants and butchers. At the other spectrum, Bao Bei is a high end restaurant that serves contemporary dim sum and is delicious and a place to be seen.
Party
A number of years ago, there wasn't very much to do in Chinatown in the evening, but times have changed. Before it was just the Night Market that brought people into the area at night, but now there are night clubs, bars and restaurants that allure Vancouverites. The night market is very much worth a visit. They have all sorts of delicious eats, cool trinkets and the vibe is warm and welcoming. The Keefer Bar is the place to go in Vancouver if you're looking for a craft cocktail in a cool atmosphere. Right beside The Keefer Bar is Bao Bei where you can get a late night eat, or just go for a drink. If you're looking to dance, Fortune Sound Club is the place to go and often you will hear international DJs spinning.
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Shop
Souvenir shops are a dime a dozen in Vancouver, but Chinatown is where you will really find the most unique things to bring back home for your friends. For those in your life that love tea, there are a number of top quality tea shops where you will be amazed by the selection of green teas. Love adding new things to your home? The home decor shops have everything from high end furniture, to cheap and cheerful chopsticks and lovely plates and bowls that will compliment any kitchen.