The Millennium Gate in Chinatown was built as an entrance into Chinatown and also a landmark for tourists. “ Remember the past and look forward to the future” is what the Chinese characters translate into. Before the Millennium Gate was built, a temporary wooden gate was built for a royal visit in 1912. The lions that sit on the side of the gate once had graphite balls in their mouths, but disappeared after the gate was unveiled and have yet to be found.
Written by J.J Edited by J.J
Sam Kee Building
The Sam Kee building is one of the narrowest buildings in the world being 1.57 meters wide. Years ago, it was one of the most successful import and export businesses in Chinatown. Also being of the the wealthiest firms in Chinatown. When the city decided to widen Pender Street, Sam Kee refused offers from neighbors to buy the remaining land. He used this land to build the Sam Kee building. Written by J.J Edited by J.J
Sun Yat Sen Garden
The Sun Yat Sen garden is named in honour of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the father of modern China who raised awareness and funding for the Chinese National Movement. The plants in the garden are chosen according to their blossom schedules to emphasize seasonal change, especially the awakening of spring. The garden is associated with philosophical principles of Fengshui and Taoism, which are beliefs of achieving harmony and balance through opposites. These gardens are extremely beautiful and are to maintain and enhance the bridge of understanding between Chinese and Western cultures. This is why the garden is built in Chinatown, to promote Chinese culture into local community.
A.L
Wing Sang Building
The Wing Sang building is the oldest building in Chinatown. Wing Sang, who was a successful Chinese-Canadian business man during the time when there was a lot of discrimination towards the Chinese. Containing some of the oldest schoolrooms in Vancouver. After four years of renovation, the place has been turned into private exhibition space for the Rennie Collection.