Amble into the Allure of Chinatown

Amble into the Allure of Chinatown

Calgary is home to several Asian-influenced communities, but perhaps none so prominent than that of the traditionally embellished Chinatown on the north fringes of Calgary’s downtown and bordering the south bank of the Bow River. A rich heritage of Chinese condominiums, apartments and shops line Centre Street just south of the Centre Street Bridge for 2 city blocks, between Riverfront Avenue and 4^th Avenue S, and between 2^nd Street SW to the west of Centre Street and 1^st Street SE to the east of Centre Street. Nestled within seven blocks of this downtown area explorers will find a thriving community still steeped in tradition and culture.

Approaching Chinatown – and downtown Calgary – from Centre Street Bridge

Visitors should discover the ornate domed Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, styled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, where locals and visitors can participate in numerous daily activities from learning Mandarin to honing their sketching skills to learning how to do calligraphy or carve stone.

www.iamcalgary.ca Chinese Cultural Centre Chinatown — One of the two main entrances into the Chinese Cultural Centre (1st Street SW entrance)

Gary, our mascot, pays a fleeting visit to the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

The ornate dome inside the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

Dragon City Mall, just 3 blocks east on 4^th Ave, is home to numerous stores from fashion to food, jewellery to cosmetics, and travel to healthcare. The compact Chinatown is not short of eating places, boasting a list in excess of 40 culinary options ranging from hole-in-the-wall offerings to full-dine restaurants.

Early morning winter scenes in Chinatown

If you’re eager to escape from the bustle of the District you can make your way to Sien Lok Park at the southwestern end of Centre Street Bridge overlooking the Bow River and bisected by Riverfont Avenue. This 2.4 hectare (5.8 acre) park is flanked at its entrance by 2 lion statues and houses a Chinese pagoda. The park is the venue for frequent tai chi sessions but also offers benches for the more sedate visitor or a playground for kids to channel their energy.

A visit to Chinatown is also recommended on our popular “Must-See Calgary: I only have two hours to explore” blog.