This was perhaps the most disappointing part of my visit to Vancouver. I have never been to a Chinatown so void of life. On a Sunday afternoon, the streets of empty of foot traffic, most of the stores were either vacant or closed. While Chinatowns are often known for their

less-than-sanitary conditions, the Vancouver Chinatown was disgustingly dirty and smelly. The smell of urine permeated the air and was repulsive. This was perhaps a great place in its prime, but now, Chinatown seems like an extension of notorious Downtown Eastside, albeit still a very mild version in comparison. I was thankful that I was walking through in broad daylight...I would not want to come here after dark. In comparison, the Chinatown in Victoria was far more charming. Even though it was much, much smaller, at least there was street life, and it was relatively clean, and most importantly, I did not feel unsafe there.

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