Chinatown Storytelling Centre

The Chinatown Storytelling Centre opened in 2021 as a modern, immersive space dedicated to preserving the oral histories of Vancouver's Chinese-Canadian community. Unlike a traditional museum with glass cases, this centre uses recorded voices, video projections, personal artifacts, and interactive displays to let visitors hear directly from community members.

For families, the power of this place is in the personal stories. Kids hear from people who grew up in this neighborhood — their memories of school, family dinners, facing discrimination, and building community. These first-person accounts hit differently than reading a textbook. Older kids and teens especially connect with the stories of young people navigating identity and belonging.

The space is modern and well-designed, with comfortable areas to sit and listen. Audio stations let visitors choose which stories to hear, so you can customize the visit based on your kids' interests and attention spans. The centre is stroller-accessible and small enough for a focused visit.

After your visit, walk through Chinatown itself — the stories you just heard will give new meaning to the buildings and streets around you. The centre is close to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden and the Chinese Cultural Centre, so you can build a full cultural afternoon if your kids are engaged.