Chinatown Gates : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

If you want to experience culture, history, and cuisine that is a blend of both Eastern and Western—Chinatown is where you should be looking to explore. Hosting an array of restaurants, temples, specialty shops, and notable landmarks, Chinatowns have become a major tourist attraction around the globe. For those of you looking for an extra bit of adventure while visiting, gates are the most well-known visitors spots to look out for! Here’s an introduction to the highly recognizable Chinatown gates. Learn about the various Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide surrounding these significant architectural features.

Interesting Facts About Chinatown Gates

1. The Chinatown gates of Victoria, British Columbia are actually called the Gate of Harmonious Interest and were designed and built in 1981 by artist Ma Kai Fung.

2. The gate is made up of six individual dragon columns, each of which represents the past, present, and future of Victoria’s Chinatown.

3. The central arch of the gate is thought to have come from the Forbidden City in China.

4. The four sides represent the original four masters of the Chinese work force who first settled in Victoria – the Tin Smiths, Tailors, Gilders, and Butchers.

5. The gate is also said to represent the concept of “harmony without uniformity”.

6. The colors on the gate are said to be a symbolic representation of the five elements of life, air, water, strength, wood and fire.

7. The design on the gate also contains dragons, symbols of protection and wealth.

8. The gate has become an important tourist attraction for Victoria, and is a major point for cultural festivals such as Chinese New Year celebrations.

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History & Information About Chinatown Gates

The Chinatown Gates in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada are located at the eastern entrance to Chinatown in the city. The four ornate gates, standing up to 35 feet high, were completed in 1981 as part of an effort to revitalize the area and celebrate the historical and cultural roots of the Chinese community in the city. Victoria’s Chinatown is the oldest in Canada, having been established in 1858 by miners and settlers of Chinese descent.

The Chinatown Gates were designed by renowned Japanese-Canadian artist and sculptor Roy Kiyooka and fabricated by local metalworker Cecil Vivian. They are made of steel and copper and feature a soaring pagoda motif. At the center of the arch is a traditional Chinese dragon. The two sides of the frame are guarded by terracotta-coloured figures of a multi-armed Fu Dog, which is typically used in Chinese tradition for protection. The gates cost $75,000 and were funded by a combination of municipal and provincial grants and donations from the Chinese Canadian business community.

The Chinatown Gates are both symbolic and practical. They evoke feelings of pride and celebration among the local Chinese community and serve as a welcome sign for visitors to the area. They are also a reminder of the long-standing presence and contribution of the Chinese people to the city of Victoria. The gates have become a community landmark and popular tourist attraction since their installation.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Chinatown Gates

Chinatown Gates in Victoria, British Columbia, are a great place to explore and learn more about the history of the Chinese Canadian community in the region. This historic landmark features four large gates representing the four major railways that brought Japanese and Chinese immigrants to Victoria in the 1800s. The gates are adorned with intricate carvings, murals, and sculptures that honor both cultures.

The area around the Chinatown Gates offers a variety of activities and attractions to explore. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting the Chinatown Gates:

1. Explore Fan Tan Alley: Fan Tan Alley is a narrow street off of Fisgard Street in Chinatown. It is lined with antique stores, Chinese tea shops, and small restaurants. The alley was once part of a gambling district where Chinese immigrants used to play a traditional Chinese game called Fan Tan.

2. Visit the Chinatown Gate Murals: The murals on the Chinatown Gates are some of the most beautiful in the city. The artwork depicts memorable historical events, such as the Chinese Exclusions Act, the railway workers’ protest, and the building of the Gates.

3. Stop By the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden: The garden is a tranquil place to relax and take in the beauty of nature. It is dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the “father” of modern China, and the contributions of Chinese immigrants to Canada.

4. Stop By the Gate of Harmonious Interest: Outside the Chinatown gates is the Gate of Harmonious Interest, which honors the friendship between China and Canada. The gate is adorned with two lions, two pagodas, and two stone horses.

5. Visit the Royston Fire Monument: Near the Chinatown gate is the Royston Fire Monument. The monument is dedicated to the firefighters who worked tirelessly to extinguish the Great Fire of 1876 which destroyed much of Victoria’s Chinatown.

6. Take a Tour of the Chinese Canadian Museum: The museum is located on Fisgard Street and features exhibits about the history of Chinese Canadian immigrants to Canada.

The Chinatown Gates in Victoria are a must-visit when in the city. With its unique sights and attractions, it’s no wonder why Chinatown Gates are a popular spot for tourists. Plan your visit to this culturally-rich district today and explore the stories of the past!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chinatown Gates

Q: What is Chinatown Gates – Victoria?

A: Chinatown Gates – Victoria is a project to install traditional Chinese style gates in the downtown core of Victoria, British Columbia. They honor the area’s Chinese history by commemorating the early pioneers of Chinatown.

Q: What does the Chinatown Gate symbolize?

A: The Chinatown Gate symbolizes the welcoming spirit of the people of Victoria and recognizes the many contributions of Chinese pioneers and their families to Victoria’s history and development.

Q: How can I see the Chinatown Gates?

A: The Chinatown Gates can be seen at the entrances to Victoria’s downtown core on Fisgard Street and Government Street.

Q: Who designed the Chinatown Gates?

A: The design for the Chinatown Gates was developed through a public design competition that was led by the City of Victoria.

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