Fan Tan Alley, Alley in Chinatown, Victoria, Canada
Fan Tan Alley is a narrow alley in Victoria's Chinatown, British Columbia, Canada, measuring about 3 feet (0.9 m) across at its widest point. It runs between old brick buildings whose worn facades show many decades of use.
Victoria's Chinatown, where this alley sits, is the oldest in Canada and took shape in the late 19th century, when Chinese immigrants arrived to work on the railway and in the mines. The alley grew into a gathering and trading spot at the heart of that community.
Fan Tan Alley takes its name from a gambling game that was once common among the Chinese residents of the neighborhood. Today, small shops selling jewelry, souvenirs, and Asian goods line both sides, giving visitors a reason to slow down and look around.
The alley sits in the middle of Victoria's Chinatown and is easy to reach on foot from other spots in the downtown area. It is best to walk through slowly, as the passage is very tight and moving through with large bags or strollers can be awkward.
Although the alley is only a short walk from end to end, it opens onto a small courtyard that many visitors miss entirely. This open space was once surrounded by living quarters and workshops, offering a rare look at how the historic Chinatown was organized.
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