A yellow and red dragon parades through Chinatown in Victoria, BC
May 25, 2025

Awakening Chinatown

Celebrate Chinese Canadian culture in Canada’s oldest Chinatown as the streets come to life with vibrant displays from our incredible community.

A performance in Chinatown in Victoria, BC

Festivities

Awakening Chinatown marks the last Sunday of Asian Heritage Month and features performances, cultural experiences, and community engagement. At the event, you can expect a day full of activities including Chinese opera, dance and drumming, love vocal performances featuring classical and contemporary Chinese music, magic shows, calligraphy, arts and crafts, cultural exhibits, and more.

A view down Fan Tan Alley, Canada's narrowest street, in Victoria, BC

Victoria Chinatown Museum Society

Awakening Chinatown is proudly organized by the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society. You can find their museum in the heart of Fan Tan Alley, Canada's narrowest street. The museum celebrates Victoria's Chinatown, Canada's oldest and one of the most architecturally intact in North America, as well as the rich history and heritage of its inhabitants over the years. This is one of the region's best hidden-gem museums and you'll find its easy to lose yourself in the immersive storytelling experience.

Local tip: Did you know the oldest continually operate Chinese business in North America is located here in Victoria, BC? Keep your eyes peeled for signage throughout Chinatown that provide insights about this business and many others that have shaped this historic community.

Victoria Chinatown Museum Society

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Destination Greater Victoria is honoured to be based on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation and Xwsepsum Nation, whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.