With 20% of the population in Vancouver being Chinese, naturally, there are areas where they congregate and live together. Notably, there is Chinatown in downtown Vancouver with some great eats and there is also Richmond, where many Asians and Chinese live in. These are the most notable attractions of the culture and areas which you should explore.
Dr Sun Yat Sen Chinese Classical Garden and Park
Designed in the style of a garden for a scholar during the Ming Dynasty, it boasts of elements such as limestone, and Chinese plants to rejuvenate those who enter its premises. While it is a relatively small area, it is interesting to see the archaic design and take pictures in the gardens. Perfect especially for those seeking a piece of tranquility in the city!
The park is free for admission but a small fee is charged for the garden which can be bought here.
Vancouver Chinatown Millenium Gate
With a famous terracotta style roof and originally made for a royal visit in 1912, this landmark can be seen from the entrance of Dr. Sun Yat Sen Park. The Chinese character inscribed acts as a reminder to “remember the past and look forward to the future”.
Sam Kee Building
Just across the street from the gardens and next to the gate, is the “narrowest free-standing commercial building in the world’, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The story goes that it was built after the owner, Chang Toy, had his property seized by the government to expand the road, leaving him with only a narrow space.
The basements are said to have been hair salons and rumored to have had underground tunnels linked to other buildings.
Chinatown Memorial Plaza
The two figures on this memorial commemorate the contributions of the Chinese in building Canada into the nation it is today. The railway worker represents those who died in building the Trans-Canadian Railway and the soldier represents those who volunteered to fight in World War Two for Canada.
Richmond Night Market
With 200 over vendors, Richmond Night Market opens every summer with Asian cuisines from Thailand, Korea, and China (I guarantee that the taste is authentic). They also work hard on the packaging, making many foods instagrammable.
Besides food, there are shops selling clothes and accessories. There is a section featuring carnival games where you can win soft toys as I did.
Indeed, the Chinese have a strong presence in Vancouver which can be seen in the attractions above.
