OVERVIEW

Established in 1885, Vancouver Chinatown is one of Canada’s oldest surviving Chinatowns. Centred on Pender Street, the neighbourhood became an important commercial, social and cultural centre for generations of Chinese immigrants and Chinese Canadians on Canada’s West Coast.

Built in the face of exclusionary laws and discrimination, Chinatown developed a strong network of businesses, family and benevolent associations, cultural institutions and community organizations. These institutions helped support successive generations while contributing to the growth of Chinese Canadian community life in Vancouver and across British Columbia.

Today, Vancouver Chinatown remains a living historic neighbourhood distinguished by its heritage buildings, streetscapes, community institutions and cultural traditions. Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada, it continues to connect an important chapter of Chinese Canadian history with the evolving life of the city.