Chinatown Storytelling Centre

Explore the stories of one of Vancouver's first neighbourhoods, located a 10-minute walk from Downtown.

Over 250 stories, 8 immersive exhibits, and a theatre space await you in the heart of Chinatown. The award-winning Chinatown Storytelling Centre is one of Vancouver's newest attractions and shares the stories from the living heritage of Chinatown.   Journey through the stories of the railway workers who helped connect the country, Chinatown's renowned nightlife in the 1950s to 1980s, and the contemporary barrier breakers who redefined the Canadian identity, and many more.

An unforgettable experience for the entire family, listen to the stories of Vancouver past in our pagoda phone booth, snap a photo in our recreated early-20th-century studio, and follow along the etiquette of a traditional Chinese banquet at our projection installation. Guests can also experience the vibrant sights and sounds of Chinatown throughout different eras in our augmented reality app.

Featured Exhibits

Our Journey Continues special exhibit: Our Journey Continues marks 100 years after the Chinese Immigration Act. This special exhibit honours the multigenerational families who pursued their dreams and turned grievance into success. 

Yucho Chow Photography Studio: Chinatown's first and most prolific commercial photographer, Yucho Chow captured hundreds of portraits from 1906 - 1949. In our recreated studio, you can find vintage portraits of families and individuals that reflect Vancouver's diversity. Guests can have their own portrait taken with art-deco inspired frames and send it to family and friends as a virtual postcard.

Theatre: Delve into the heart and soul of Vancouver's Chinatown in our theatre space. Hear the stories of the teenage Wong Brothers who built and flew a single-wing plane, a Cantonese opera singer, and more. Our films feature both contemporary Canadian artists and archival footage alike. We are grateful to have received the Vancouver Heritage Foundation Yosef Wosk Publication Grant to produce two of the films on display.

Don’t forget to visit our Foo Hung Curios gift shop, featured in Vancouver Magazine. Foo Hung Curios celebrates Asian Canadian heritage and highlights brands that bring a contemporary take on East meets West.

Please allow for 45 minutes to 1 hour for your visit.

More information: chinatownstorytellingcentre.org

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The Chinatown Storytelling Centre was the proud recipient of the Award of Merit: Community Engagement by the BC Museums Association in 2021 and of the Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC Larry Wong Prize in 2023 the Larry Wong Prize by the Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC, and the Storytelling Award by the BC Historical Federation.

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