Chinatown Plaza — Attraction in Vancouver

“This artwork is part of a series of murals in Chinatown, commissioned through the City's Chinatown Mural Artist Call 2019. In February 2019, the City invited proposals for temporary painted murals and digital printed artwork within Chinatown's public realm. In April 2019, proposals were shortlisted by a panel of art experts from Chinatown who have cultural knowledge of the neighbourhood's heritage, with four projects then recommended for commission.

Artist statement The historical Chinatown Spring Festival parade fully reflects the success of multiculturalism in Canada. The setting of this mural painting is in front of the Millennium Gate in Chinatown, It is a joyful celebration, with Chinese traditional dragon and line dances welcoming the god of wealth. In attendance are people from the political and business circles as well as from the Chinese community. There are also the veterans’ military band members and people from the various indigenous nations. The scene depicted symbolizes the longevity and prosperity of Vancouver Chinatown.”

I had a good amount of talks with Shuren Arthur Cheng about life and all. He taught me a lot though I don’t always agree, he is a valuable asset to the Chinese community. He tells stories that elevate people and connect cultures, that’s not something many do these days. I was there when he...

Missed several of the businesses inside the Plaza due to the Covid Pandemic. V Taste, Kung Fu Panda Fast Food ( just newly opened in late 2019 ), Parkland Barbarshop, most recent Shoe Store Repair. Hope the business in plaza will be able to revitalized back to its thriving moments. Only 4 business remain operating. Very heart broken to see this Plaza is become a Ghost Plaza ( worst than the International Village ). UPDATE: SEPT. 4 2024 : SAD to see that this plaza had not done much to improve its empty stores ( mostly vacants ) its most dead foodcourt plaza. Compare to International Village Food Court or previous Crystal Mall or the Richmond Public Market. Too bad not no tenants wants to move in due to its flow of traffic after the pandemic closure and again sad to see the food court business had mostly changed owners/businesses so far does seem to be much a big improvement or any actions is taken. I am sure it will be more empty shops soon. Hope they revive...

So much wasted potential. The plaza was mostly deserted except for a couple of restaurants, both with great food and ratings-Behind You and Coqoudak. There was also a florist that would benefit from a makeover. Coming from Phoenix, where sushi, boba restaurants, and Japanese concept stores are popular. I feel like these kind of businesses would really make this place a popular destination, especially if you throw in Kawaii/K Pop fashion store which is also popular. The area just lacks business and foot traffic. Filling this plaza with already popular businesses would bring life and maybe more business to the desolate Chinatown area…in case any investors are looking for...