V A N C O U V E R   C H I N A T O W N

Vancouver, British Columbia

Saturday, July 17, 2004

My bike's tires are all pumped up and ready to go, time to check out Vancouver's Chinatown.

After a short ride I arrive at the ornate entry of Chinatown. Along the streets all of the light poles are dressed with various banners heralding the area's charm and uniqueness. The character of the area gives me the impression I'm truly visiting China.

Vancouver's Chinatown is the largest in Canada and second largest in North America, coming in a close second to San Francisco's Chinatown. Chinese immigration to Vancouver started in the late 19th century in support of road and railroad building. There is a sad history of racial descrimination against the Chinese however, so much so that in 1923 a new immigration act disallowing Chinese immigration to Canada was enacted. It wasn't until 44 years later that the act was reversed and immigration from China was allowed once again. The 1986 World Expo again attracted new Chinese immigration, mainly from Hongkong, leading to the nickname "Hongkouver."

The streets are lined with small shops selling everything from food to clothing to books to records.