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Explore Downtown - Chinatown

#ExploreDowntownYYC Chinatown

Chinatown is one of Calgary’s most culturally distinct neighbourhoods. It’s a gateway to downtown from Centre Street North and a destination for vibrant cultural experiences. With a history spanning more than 100 years and three locations, today’s Chinatown tells a story of migration, settlement and perseverance. The community is a central hub of Asian culture, language, education, community and commerce.

Food and drinks


Silver Dragon has been serving up delicious Cantonese and Szechuan food since 1966. Famous for their ginger beef, they also offer dozens of vegetarian and tofu options. Join them for some dim sum or one of their other 200 dishes.

Grab a Vietnamese sub to go from Banh Mi Thi-Thi and sit by the Bow River just steps away. Their subs are truly authentic and jammed pack with meat, fresh vegetables, and secret sauce. Tucked away on 1st Street, they’re a local favourite.

Check out 1 Pot to indulge in your hot pot fix. Everyone gets their own pot to cook their own delectable meal right at the table. 

Enjoy pan-Asian fare such as hot pots, Vietnamese classics & build-your-own bibimbop at Moon Korean BBQ. You can also satisfy your pho craving at Pho City, with a wide array of gluten free and vegan menu options available.  

With a cozy and inviting ambiance, U & Me Restaurant provides a space where you can enjoy great good in an authentic atmosphere. Try one of their infamous Chinese noodle dishes like the golden mushroom and Pork Fried Yee Mein, or the Pickled Cabbage and Tender Beef Fried Noodles.

Get your dessert fix at Mama Dessert, featuring popular Asian desserts found across central and SE Asia. And for a fun night out check out Paper Lantern, a tropical and Vietnamese escape tucked away in a Chinatown basement serving small bites and cocktails. 

Events and culture


Built in 1992 and modeled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre is a community centre dedicated to serve the Chinese community of Calgary and the surrounding area. It also dedicates itself to undertaking education and cultural programs to enrich the lives of all Calgarians and its visitors. 

The Asian community follows the lunar calendar which includes three major annual holidays: Lunar New Year (winter), Qing Ming (spring festival) and Mid-autumn Festival (fall).

Shopping and services


Whether you’re shopping for a gift for yourself or a loved one, here are some local favorites worth checking out.

Passionate about skin and hair care? Check out Baby Face Skin Care in Dragon City Mall. They offer Korean and Japanese skin care and hair care products you won’t find elsewhere.

Whether you’re looking for a special gift or just want to treat yourself, Hungs Jewellery can help. Featuring a selection of traditional jewelry, and giftware, Hung’s also repairs and offers custom designs.

Thalea Florist, located in Dragon City Mall has been offering quality floral arrangements in Chinatown since 1985.

Hing Wah Imports on Centre Street is one of Chinatown’s oldest general shops with access to traditional remedies, stationary and other fun objects.

Public Art and outdoor spaces


Sien Lok Park is a Chinese cultural park located on the south Bow River Pathway in downtown Calgary. The Sien Lok Society of Calgary was formed in 1968. Embodying the motto behind the name Sien Lok that "happiness comes through good works" the Society, in co-operation with the community, preserved and developed Chinatown's lone green space into Sien Lok Park in 1982. The sculpture titled "In Search of Gold Mountain" was sculpted by Chu Honsun from 15 tonnes of granite from Hopei Province in China. It was sculpted to honour the Chinese history within Canada.

The Bow River Pathway stretches along the riverfront of Calgary’s downtown and beyond. The pathway is commonly used by walking and wheeling pedestrians and offers picturesque views of the river and city.

Located next to Chinatown, 和園 Harmony Park is a popular outdoor space to relax and enjoy featured programming.

Chinatown is famous for its many murals and wall art, with new and upcoming works that showcase Asian culture and history.

Getting around


Driving and parking

Check out the newest feature on Calgary Parking's MyParking app.

Lot 888 has a special discounted price of $0.88/hour for the first two hours. Lot 26 is the newest parking lot in the heart of Chinatown with convenient access to Dragon City Mall. Harmony Park Parkade (Lot 40) is located next to Chinatown and provides the closest underground heated parking option. 

The Local Deals feature in the app will connect you with exclusive local deals from businesses you know and love! The feature unlocks coupon codes that you can use at your favourite participating YYC businesses. There are also several public parking lots in the area, and street parking is free on Sundays, holidays, and weekdays after 6 p.m.

Public transit

You can access Chinatown with Calgary’s Public Transit system. For more information on Calgary city buses or the CTrain, including schedules, maps, passes and fares, visit Calgary Transit.

Walking, biking, scootering

Calgary is home to an extensive network of bike lanes, pathways and cycle tracks, many of which run through its downtown core with access to Chinatown.

Once at Chinatown, most shops and restaurants are accessible by walking or wheeling. Alternatively, you can rent a Bird or Neuron e-scooter. Make sure you download the app in advance and familiarize yourself with applicable laws, road rules and City by-laws.

We encourage you to safely explore Chinatown and recommend you check ahead with restaurants and shops to ensure they are open and to learn what safety precautions are required before you go. To find out more about Chinatown shops, services, and restaurants, visit their neighbourhood page.

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