Gong Xi Fa Cai! I mean Happy New Year of the Rabbit. Chinese New Year has just begun so let’s have a look at Canada’s largest Chinatown located in Vancouver. Vancouver’s Chinatown has always been a great tourist attraction. I personally find it very captivating because of its colorful sights and exotic products.
Did you know that Vancouver is also home to North America’s third largest Chinatown? It provides us an interesting glimpse of Chinese culture and strong Chinese community. The easiest way to get to Chinatown from downtown Vancouver is to go east on Pender Street to Carrall Street and find parking on the street. You can also park in the International Village Parkade at the corner of Pender and Abbott and walk east on Pender and into Chinatown.
You know you are in Chinatown when you see paper lanterns, pagoda-style arches, and Chinese dragons. Great restaurants, food stalls and countless shops with imported goods will inspire you to explore this part of Vancouver on foot.
The Chinese Cultural Centre at 50 West Pender Street, Vancouver, is the heart and soul of the China Town as it hosts variety of cultural programs ranging from lectures, exhibitions on carvings, paintings, ceramics and historical photographs as well as offers language courses in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
One of the most fascinating part of Chinatown in Vancouver is Bamboo Village which carries an extraordinary array of items that you won’t find elsewhere, from vintage wind-up clocks, vacuum-tube radios, authentic antique oriental furniture, and genuine Chinese. Stop by old- fashioned Garden Villa Seafood restaurant for the best dim sum in town. When you get tired exploring the Chinatown don’t forget to try some Chinese tea which is very refreshing.
Chinatown Night Market which will be held this year from May 20th 2011 to September 11th, 2011 (every friday, saturday and sunday) from 6.30 pm to 11.00 pm on Keefer street/Main street is a must for all tourists. Besides hundred booths for gifts items, fashion and modern electronics it will feature multicultural performances like folk dancing, singing, magic shows, martial arts, lion dance, bands as well as games and prizes.
So, next time in Vancouver, stop by Chinatown.
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