Preserving Vancouver Chinatown Past, Present and Future


On a cloudy Sunday morning, tens of thousands of people visited Vancouver Chinatown to watch the Lunar New Year parade. As the dragons and lions usher in the year of the rabbit, their presence, plus the surrounding crowd of the onlooker, brings fond childhood memories. It has been too long since I heard the nostalgic sound of the beating drum, watched the colourfully decorated folk dancers and smelled of the smoke from the crackling firecrackers. I remember going to New Town bakery afterwards to get treated with my favourite red bean ice drink topped with vanilla ice cream and freshly baked egg tarts. 


As I walked through Chinatown after the parade, it was great to see that many stores were still open as they displayed their fresh fruits and vegetable products in front of their entrance. Strolling further down the street, I would pass a few Chinese herbal stores where the fragrance of their dry goods fills the air. From the past to the present, these experiences, along with the presence of historical buildings and Dr Sun Yat Sen's garden, make Vancouver Chinatown unique.


However, it is also the part of the city that requires much revitalization and support. Most of the time, besides Chinese New Year, Chinatown is relatively empty—plagued by increased incidents of vandalism and the presence of drug addicts, many of the stores have closed, and those remaining are considering closing their businesses or relocating to another part of the city. However, all hope is not lost as the first Chinese Canadian elected mayor Ken Sim, proposes more social housing, addiction support programs and increased funding for policing to help tackle this particular problem. As the year of the rabbit, in general, symbolizes longevity, peace and prosperity, I sincerely hope that these auspicious qualities will come true for Vancouver Chinatown.  


Performance group in matching green outfits dancing with vibrant rainbow-colored fan props.
Dancer with colorful layered fan prop performs in green traditional costume during cultural show.
Dancer in bright pink traditional costume performs with flowing red ribbons during cultural celebration.
Dancers in green costumes perform with colorful rainbow fan props during Chinese cultural celebration.
Group of children wearing colorful traditional Chinese New Year outfits and floral headpieces.
Traditional Miao silver headdress and ethnic costume displayed during cultural festival celebration.
Scottish bagpipe band marching in traditional kilts during parade performance.
Bagpiper in traditional Scottish military uniform with black feathered bearskin hat and red coat performing outdoors.
Figure wearing elaborate red and gold Chinese Fortune God costume with ornate crown during festival.
Multiple colorful Chinese lion dancers performing with traditional costumes against urban backdrop.
Dragon dance performers in gold and black uniforms carrying illuminated dragons during parade.
Traditional red and white Chinese lion dance costume performer walking down a crowded city street.
Vibrant yellow Chinese lion dance costume with red accents performing at an outdoor festival.
Green and white Chinese lion dance costume performer in mid-jump during street celebration.
Performer in red and gold traditional Chinese emperor costume with ornate crown during festival parade.