Unraveling the enigma of Victoria’s China Town.

Michal Klajban [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

The China Town of the Victoria City is a living reminder of the resilient Chinese culture that was brought to the country around 150 years ago by the early Chinese immigrants. Over time, the attraction has groomed considerably and at present stands with pride and composure in the downtown backdrop of British Columbia.
The China Town’s neighborhood immediately captivates the visitor’s attention from the beautifully and lavishly embellished entrance, “The Gate of Harmonious Interest” that is given a shape of a welcoming arch. From there, the visitors can see the vibrant colors of red and gold that dominate the mood of the neighborhood along with unique structural designs of buildings and the names of prominent businessmen are written in the signature language; Chinese. Therefore, the starting of the neighborhood prepares the mood of the visit to China.
A glimpse into the historical background of Victoria’s China Town
When the early Chinese immigrants set their feet inside Victoria in BC province, the neighborhood comprised of mere wooden shacks. It is because these immigrants were not influential at the beginning as they come along with the flood of Gold seekers in the quest of making a fortune in the Fraser Canyon and Barkerville. As time passed, more immigrants from China started to populate the city as the work of the goldfields started to grow. Upon the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, approximately 15,000 Chinese immigrants started to settle. Thus, Canada becomes the leading hub of Chinese immigrants and settlers who came to the country for work. Therefore by the end of 1901, the China Town Neighborhood of Victoria, BC has a population of 3000 Chinese immigrants.
One of the leading aspects of Victoria’s China Town history is that it was also a hub of opium warrens and gambling. Nevertheless, at present, China Town is regarded as a cultural neighborhood. It is because within the neighborhood there are important institutions located. They include the Chinese Public School, Buddhist Temple, and notable organizations such as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association that was originated in 1909 with the aim of preserving and safeguarding the rights of Chinese immigrants in the city.
Moreover, China Town in Victoria features a diverse array of businesses. The shops, restaurants, the alleys, the studios, and the grocery stores lurk with the dominance of Chinese traditions and customs. It is true that a visit to this attraction in Victoria, BC is just like visiting China!

ambulorbis is a team of writers who want to walk the world and experience everything this amazing blue marble has to offer. If you'd like to support our efforts leave an upvote! Keep calm and steem on.

Today's author is Julianne.

All media are open source.