Alexi Visits Canada's Oldest Chinatown in Victoria, BC.

A photostory by superfan Thea C. of Salt Spring Island, BC

On a very chilly day in January, Alexi explored the Chinatown in Victoria, BC, the oldest one in Canada!

As she approached she was awestruck by the Gates of Harmonious Interest, the ornately decorated arch marking the entrance.

Through the gate she could see bold colours of lucky red and gold, very distinctive architecture, and business names written in Chinese on shop signs.

For over 150 years Chinatown has provided a cultural community for Chinese people arriving and settling in Canada.

The Chinese Canadian Museum has lots of interesting exhibits and stories.

There are lots of fun little alleys and streets to explore.

The crosswalk had photos of animals popular in Chinese culture.  In Chinese culture, each year is named after a different animal.

Everywhere Alexi looked, there was so much to see.

She stopped for a refreshing bubble tea.

Alexi was awed by the ornate architecture of the Chinese Public School built in 1909.

She saw a sign about a children's book called White Jade Tiger about a girl who visits Chinatown and steps through a door and travels back to 1881. There she meets Keung, a boy her age, and together they start looking for Keung's missing father.  Alexi loves reading and recognized the author, Julie Lawson, as she has read some of her other historical fiction. She made a note to find the book at the library and read it.

Lunar New Year, an important celebration for Chinese people all over the world happens in January or February each year.  That's coming up soon, Alexi thought.  That will be fun to celebrate!