Filming in Chinatown

The heart of Chinatown today is between Keefer Street and East Hastings Street, running east from Carrall Street to Gore Street.

Most stores open from 10:30am to 6pm and offices open from 9am to 5pm. The busiest hours are between 12pm. and 5pm. Almost all stores are open for business seven days a week; weekends are exceptionally busy in Chinatown. It is therefore advisable to avoid filming on the weekends.

Apart from western festive seasons such as Christmas and New Year, there are three periods that most merchants will not entertain filming requests:

• Mid-Autumn Festival (commonly known as Mooncake Festival): the second and third week of September
• Chinese New Year: mid-January to the end of February
• Winter Festival: the third and fourth week of December

Chinatown is made up of many "old guards" who braved a long journey and harsh life to seek better life in Vancouver.

Many are not proficient in English, especially in understanding  filming needs. Therefore, it is best to hire an interpreter or a liaison person who speaks Cantonese or Mandarin to communicate clearly with those residents. To obtain a list of liaisons, please contact the Film and Special Events branch.

There are numerous groups and organizations representing clusters of Chinese Canadians, distinct in terms of political orientation, religious belief, and clan/region of origin in their homeland. 

Because of small membership and differences in political and religious orientation, no single group or organization can claim to be representative of all Chinese Canadians in BC. However, you should discuss your plans with one or more of following organizations:

Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association
508 Taylor Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 6M4
Phone: (604) 682-8998

Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver
108 East Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3
Phone: (604) 681-1923

Chinese Cultural Centre 
50 East Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 3V6
Phone: (604) 687-0729