The 23rd annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival kicks off July 12, celebrating Chinese heritage with food, culture, and history in the city’s oldest neighbourhood.
Festival Returns with Rich Cultural Showcase
The 23rd annual Vancouver Chinatown Festival is set to take place on July 12–13, bringing a vibrant celebration of Chinese Canadian heritage to one of the city’s oldest and most storied neighbourhoods. The event, which draws thousands of visitors annually, promises two days filled with cultural performances, traditional cuisine, artisan vendors, and historical tours that honour the past while looking toward the future.
Celebrating Community and Identity
According to Bob Sung, founder of A Wok Around Chinatown and third-generation Chinese Canadian, the festival is more than a street event—it’s a tribute to a resilient community. “It’s a celebration of our roots, our character, the people, the food, and the merchants,” said Sung, who has been offering guided food and history tours in Chinatown for nearly two decades.
His work is personal. His family has deep culinary roots in British Columbia, and he sees food as a powerful medium to tell the story of Chinese immigrants in Canada. “My generation, my parents’ generation—we had to assimilate. But now it’s time to showcase our culture and heritage,” he added.
Historic Chinatown in the Spotlight
Vancouver’s Chinatown dates back to the 1880s, when Chinese immigrants, facing systemic discrimination, created a tight-knit community in the area. The neighbourhood is now home to various Chinese associations and historical landmarks. Its blend of Western and traditional Guangdong architecture makes it one of the most visually distinct areas in the city.
Part of the area holds Canadian heritage status, and efforts are underway to preserve even more. “The Chinese community is pursuing a 10-year application to have two blocks designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site,” Sung revealed. “That’s how proud we are of this history.”
What to Expect at This Year’s Event
Festival-goers can expect live music, lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese calligraphy, culinary tastings, and interactive workshops. Local merchants and artists will be featured, offering a variety of handmade goods and cultural artifacts.
The streets will come alive with colour, sound, and scent, offering something for all ages. Sung will be among the highlights, guiding visitors through the lanes of Chinatown with stories, flavours, and lived experience.
Cultural Legacy and Modern Revival
While the area has faced economic and social challenges in recent years, the festival plays a key role in revitalizing the community and drawing attention to its historic significance. For Sung and others, the event is a powerful reminder of the cultural resilience that defines Chinatown.
“We’re not just preserving history—we’re living it,” Sung said.
The Vancouver Chinatown Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, July 12–13, 2025, with events scheduled throughout the neighbourhood. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
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