Vancouver Icons: Chinatown

The Vancouver Icons series focuses on statues, bridges, sculptures, buildings, and other public landmarks that are frequently photographed and shared online. Founded in 1880, Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s most distinct neighbourhoods and is perfect for this showcase. It’s full of culture, unique architecture, character, and it’s also a National Historic Site of Canada. What better place to feature so close to the Chinese New Year:

Photo credit: jtandbibiana & PiscesDreamer on Flickr

Photo credit: RickChung.com on Flickr

The Millenium Gate (above) was constructed in 2002 to represent Chinatown’s journey through time, past and present. Its combination of Western and Eastern symbols demonstrates and celebrates a sense of community and unity.

Photo credit: Clayton Perry Photoworks & [travelfox] on Flickr

Photo credit: PiscesDreamer & PiscesDreamer on Flickr

Photo credit: Eric Flexyourhead on Flickr

Photo credit: dahliaphoto & PiscesDreamer on Flickr

Photo credit: [travelfox] & bkang83 on Flickr

The Dynasty Bell (above, left) was a gift from Vancouver’s sister city, Guangzhou, China, this distinctive bell was given to Vancouver in 1983 to honour the fifteenth anniversary of the twining of the two cities.

The Canadian Chinese Monument (above, right) is a remembrance to the struggles of the ancestors of many who still live in the area and a celebration of multiculturalism. The invaluable efforts by new immigrants into the area is recognized in the two statues on this monument. First, a Railway worker, recognizing the thousands of Chinese Canadians who lived and died building the Trans-Canadian railway system, a dangerous and thankless job. The second figure is a World War II era solider for the six hundred odd Chinese Canadians who volunteered in the War efforts, proving their patriotism which also later earned them the right to vote. [Source: VentureVancouver]

Photo credit: PiscesDreamer & {e u g e n e} on Flickr

Photo credit: kennymatic on Flickr

If you haven’t been to Chinatown lately the 40th annual Chinese New Year parade is the perfect opportunity. It’s taking place on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 11:00am and will start out from the Millenium Gate on Pender between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street. Follow the Chinatown Business Improvement Area Society on Facebook and Twitter to find out more about events, shopping, tours, and more in Chinatown.

Photo credit: [travelfox] on Flickr

Other Vancouver Icons posts include: Lions Gate Lions, LightShed, Granville Bridge, 217.5 Arc x 13′, Canoe Bridge, Vancouver Block, Bloedel Conservatory, Centennial Rocket, Canada Place, Old Courthouse/Vancouver Art Gallery, Dominion Building, Science World, Gastown Steam Clock, SFU Burnaby, Commodore Lanes, Siwash Rock, Kitsilano Pool, White Rock Pier, Main Post Office, Planetarium Building, Lord Stanley Statue, Vancouver Library Central Branch, Victory Square, Digital Orca, The Crab Sculpture, Girl in Wetsuit, The Sun Tower, The Hotel Vancouver, The Gassy Jack Statue, The Marine Building, and The Angel of Victory. Should you have a suggestion for the Vancouver Icons series please feel free to leave a note in the comments. It should be a thing, statue, or place that is very visible and recognizable to the public.