Beyond those ornate Chinese gates and stone lions is Chinatown, Brisbane. It is more than just a street. Chinatown is a vibrant hub steeped in history.
Brisbane’s Chinatown is located in Fortitude Valley. It sits about 1km northeast of the CBD. While it may be smaller than other Chinatowns, it has its own unique charm. Duncan Street is the heart of Chinatown. Large ornate Chinese gates and stone lions mark each end of Duncan Street.
In 1987, Chinatown Mall was officially opened. Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson opened it on the first day of the Year of the Rabbit. Architects and engineers from Guangzhou designed the mall. Their goal was to reflect Tang Dynasty architecture. The mall was renovated in 1996. Rotundas, pagodas, and lions were added. They were designed in the style of the Tang Dynasty. A water garden was also added. The fountain and ponds symbolize good fortune.
Duncan Street is full of Asian restaurants. You will find Chinese fare and Vietnamese and Thai options. There are also Chinese grocery stores. Herbalists and acupuncturists add to the diverse offerings.
The Chinese Cyber City complex is a focal point. It attracts a largely Chinese and Asian clientele. Here, people meet, eat, and connect.
Many restaurants offer special value lunchtime menus. Brunswick Street and Wickham Street also host Asian restaurants.
Don’t expect rickshaws or many red lanterns. Instead, prepare for good quality food. In Chinatown, there are many weekend markets and al fresco restaurants. People gather to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or whatever.
However, caution is advised in the evenings due to crime.
Yum Cha is a popular meal choice here. Trolleys filled with Chinese delicacies roll around. You can sample prawns, squid, mussels, chicken, and pork. Do not forget the interesting desserts.
Some might recognize Chinatown from Jackie Chan’s movie First Strike. A car chase and explosion were filmed here. The mall’s pagoda was destroyed during filming. It was later rebuilt.
Today, Chinatown hosts many Asian festivals. These include Chinese New Year and the Indian festival Diwali. Street signs are written in both English and Chinese.
Whether you seek traditional Chinese cuisine or other Asian flavors, Chinatown has much to offer. The area has supermarkets and shops. They sell trinkets, clothing, and Chinese medicines.