Vancouver: Chinese Diaspora

High School Program

This Vancouver program offers students an immersive exploration into the Chinese Canadian experience, highlighting the stories, contributions, and traditions of one of the city’s most influential communities. Through hands-on workshops in traditional Chinese art forms, such as calligraphy and painting, and culinary experiences like dumpling-making, students will gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and heritage.

The Chinese Canadian Experience and Cultural Influence

This program explores the profound impact of the Chinese Canadian community on Vancouver’s cultural landscape. Students will delve into the historical and contemporary stories of Chinese immigrants through visits to the Chinese Canadian Museum and the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. By engaging in traditional workshops like calligraphy, Chinese dance, and dumpling-making, students will gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how this vibrant community has shaped the city’s identity. Through this theme, students will learn about the significance of cultural preservation and the evolving role of diasporas in modern society.


About Vancouver

Vancouver is an exciting and dynamic destination for student travel programs, offering a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and educational opportunities. Nestled between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this vibrant city is known for its stunning landscapes and commitment to sustainability, making it an ideal location for students to explore themes of environmental conservation and urban innovation.

Vancouver is also a hub for multiculturalism, with significant communities from around the world, including Chinese, South Asian, and Indigenous populations. Through hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and immersive cultural experiences, students will have the opportunity to connect with these communities, learning about their histories, contributions, and influences on the city’s identity.

Theme alternatives

Fully customizable authentic experiences

At Insight, our program itineraries are as unique as your students. All our program itineraries are customized with teacher chaperones to ensure that it meets the needs of your students.

With the support of a variety of local vendors and NGO’s, we promise that your students will get an authentic, local experience.

What's included

All our trips include:

Program highlights

  • Participate in a Chinese calligraphy and painting workshop, learning traditional techniques directly from local artists. Later, students will take part in a dumpling-making class, where they will prepare and enjoy an authentic Chinese dinner, deepening their understanding of the cultural significance of these practices.
  • Engage in an augmented reality walking tour of Vancouver’s Chinatown, overlaying historical landmarks and narratives onto the modern landscape. This immersive experience is complemented by a visit to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, where students imagine the future of this vibrant area through interactive exhibits and workshops.
  • Discover the beauty and intricacies of the International Buddhist Temple, modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City, and explore its gardens, stone carvings, and traditional murals. Students will engage in a Chinese square dance workshop, followed by an afternoon at Stanley Park, one of Vancouver’s most iconic urban green spaces.

How it works

1
2
3
4
5

Want to take your students outside the classroom? Review our program locations and suggested themes.

Connect with one of our High School Educators who will help custom design your program.

With our assistance, submit required paperwork and details to your Administration and School Board.

Announce the trip to your students! (We’ll provide all the materials you need).

Invite us to your school to host a Student & Parent Info Night! We will be there to answer questions and support student sign-up!

Sample Itinerary

Welcome to Vancouver!

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Chinese immigration to British Columbia with a visit to the Chinese Canadian Culture Museum. Through stories and exhibits, you’ll gain insights into the historical and contemporary experiences of Chinese families in Vancouver. In the afternoon, participate in a Chinese calligraphy or painting workshop, and end the day by learning to make traditional Chinese dumplings for dinner, connecting with the cultural practices that have been preserved within this diaspora.

Explore Vancouver’s Chinatown through an augmented reality walking tour that brings historical landmarks and stories to life. Visit the Chinatown Storytelling Centre for an interactive museum experience and a workshop focused on imagining the future of Chinatown. Cap the day with a traditional Chinese Dim Sum dinner and panoramic views of Vancouver from the Vancouver Lookout, reflecting on how this community has evolved while maintaining its cultural identity.

Discover the spiritual side of Vancouver’s Chinese community with a guided tour of the International Buddhist Temple. Marvel at the traditional Chinese architecture and gardens, and participate in a Chinese Square Dance workshop, a popular social activity within the community. In the afternoon, visit Stanley Park, a symbol of Vancouver’s natural beauty, where you’ll explore how the city’s environment has influenced its diverse communities.

Delve into the economic contributions of Vancouver’s Chinese community by engaging in a cultural exchange. Meet with representatives from the Chinese community to discuss the economic, trade, and cultural ties between China and Canada. Learn about Chinese foreign investment in Vancouver’s real estate market, and enjoy a creative afternoon at a boba tea shop, where you’ll craft your own souvenir to take home.

Begin your journey home.

What people are saying

Questions? Let's talk