Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stand well back, since the decoration is mostly on its lofty upper reaches: an elabor-
ately painted section topped with a terracotta-tiled roof. The characters inscribed on its
eastern front implore you to: 'Remember the past and look forward to the future.'
The gate sits on the same site as a previous temporary wooden one that was built
here for a royal visit in 1912. The lions on either side of the Millennium Gate once had
polished granite balls in their mouths, but they mysteriously disappeared soon after the
gate was unveiled and have never been found.
SAM KEE BUILDING
NOTABLE BUILDING
(8 W Pender St; Stadium-Chinatown)
This structure, near the corner of Carrall St, made
it into the
Guinness Book of World Records
as the world's narrowest office building.
It's easy to miss it because it looks like the front of the larger building behind, to which
it is attached. Check out the green glazing in the sidewalk - there used to be a public
steam bath under the building.
It's interesting to note that this structure is only here as the result of a dispute. Chang
Toy, the Sam Kee Co owner, bought land at this site in 1906, but in 1926 all but a 1.8m-
wide strip was expropriated by the city to widen Pender St. Toy's revenge was to build
anyway, and up sprang the unusual 'Slender on Pender' dwelling.
DR SUN YAT-SEN CLASSICAL
CHINESE GARDEN & PARK
GARDENS
(
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
;
578 Carrall St; adult/child $12/9; 10am-6pm May-mid-
Jun, 9:30am-7pm mid-Jun-Aug, 10am-6pm Sep, 10am-4:30pm Oct-Apr; Stadium-Chinatown)
A tranquil break from clamorous Chinatown, this intimate 'garden of ease' reflects
Taoist principles of balance and harmony. Entry includes a 45-minute guided tour,
where you'll learn about the symbolism behind the placement of the gnarled pine trees,
winding covered pathways and ancient limestone formations. Look out for the lazy
turtles bobbing in the jade-colored water.
The adjacent
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Park
isn't as elaborate as its sister, but this free-entry
spot is a pleasant oasis with whispering grasses, a large fish pond and a small pagoda.
Check the website for summertime Friday-evening concerts.
CHINATOWN NIGHT MARKET
MARKET
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
