Chinatown On the Move

Last updated on
Thursday, March 23rd, 2023
Experience type: 
In-Person
Program Description

As a distinctive neighbourhood filled with cultural monuments and historic sites, Chinatown’s public places are a precious and integral part of the city. Yet the neighbourhood is evolving quickly and many heritage sites are starting to disappear. How might we imagine a future Chinatown that honours and protects its heritage while welcoming new ideas and communities? We’ll survey Chinatown’s past and present sites of cultural significance and invite students to imagine the neighbourhood’s next phase of growth and revitalization with a creative “vision board” activity.

Total length: 1 - 2 hours
Grade levels: 9 - 12
Cost per student: $8 (1 adult chaperone per 10 students may visit for free)

Connections to the BC Social Studies Big Ideas

Grade 9

  • Collective identity is constructed and can change over time.
  • Emerging ideas and ideologies profoundly influence societies and events.
  • The physical environment influences the nature of political, social, and economic change.

Grade 10 

  • Historical and contemporary injustices challenge the narrative and identity of Canada as an inclusive, multicultural society. 

Grade 11

  • Decision making in urban and regional planning requires balancing political, economic, social, and environmental factors.

Grade 12

  • Social justice initiatives can transform individuals and systems.
Big Ideas
  • Collective identity is constructed and can change over time.
  • Emerging ideas and ideologies profoundly influence societies and events.
  • The physical environment influences the nature of political, social, and economic change.
  • Trip Details
    City: 
    For Grades: 
    9, 10, 11, 12
    Duration: 
    90 minutes unless otherwise stated.
    Maximum Students: 
    Offered In French: 
    No
    Also Offered For: 
    Adult Groups, Daycamps, ESL, Homeschool
    Packages Provided: 
    Both Pre-Visit and Post-Visit Packages
    Fee Details
    Cost Per Student: 
    $8.00
    Fee Notes: 

    1 adult chaperone per 5 students may visit for free

    Additional Notes

    Optional Add-On Activities

    1. Joint visit to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Classical Garden. We can help arrange a longer (2-3 hours) guided visit to Chinatown that includes a visit to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, a short walking tour, and a visit to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Classical Garden. The itinerary is adaptable to fit your schedule and class size. For more information on pricing and booking, please contact April Liu, Manager of Public Programs and Education: april.liu@chinatownfoundation.org.
    2. Guided walking tours. A 30 - 60 minute guided walking tour may be added to your visit, highlighting Chinatown’s unique heritage and cultural sites along Pender Street. Additional cost: $8 per student, adult chaperones join for free.

    How to Sign Up: To book your next visit, please write to April Liu, Manager of Public Programs and Education, april.liu@chinatownfoundation.org.