Vancouver Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinatowns in Canada and one of the top 3 in geographic size in North America. Since its establishment in 1885, Chinatown has remained in the same location as a living and thriving neighbourhood.
Chinatown, designated as a national historic site, is marked by its historic buildings and intangible cultural heritage. It is an important part of Vancouver's history and adds to the rich diversity of the city's cultural fabric.
Vancouver Chinatown is regarded as a symbol of the resilience and strength of Chinese Canadians in the face of systemic racism and exclusion throughout Canadian history. Renewing Chinatown's vibrancy and supporting its community is a key priority for us and aligns with our anti-racism work to create a more equitable city for all.
Chinatown Cultural District
In June 2024, Council approved work towards establishing Chinatown as a Cultural District. The Chinatown Cultural District Framework guides our comprehensive approach to renewing the neighbourhood’s vibrancy.
Our approach considers the multiple aspects important to a thriving community with rich cultural heritage, including:
- Land use
- Economic development
- Permitting and licensing
- Arts and culture
- Heritage
- Social supports
- Housing
- Public spaces and infrastructure
- Public safety
To address this broad range of interconnected issues, the framework will be implemented through a cross-departmental and collaborative approach, in partnership with community and senior levels of government.
Chinatown neighborhood assets map
Explore the Chinatown Neighbourhood Assets Map, an inventory of cultural heritage assets.
Apply for a Chinatown Plaza event permit
Submit an permit application to rent the ground-floor retail concourse at the Chinatown Plaza.
Contact us
Email: chinatown@vancouver.ca
Mail:
City Hall
453 West 12th Ave
Vancouver, BC
V5Y 1V4
Latest updates
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with the 51st Annual Spring Festival Parade in historic Chinatown
January 30 2025 - Many Asian communities in Vancouver will celebrate the Lunar New Year and Year of the Snake with lively festivities and cultural traditions.
City Council approves more than $1.8M for improvements to SRO buildings in Chinatown
July 23 2024 - Council approved over $1.8 million to upgrade SRO buildings in Chinatown, in support of residents who are low-income or at risk of homelessness.