Chinatown - Brisbane Tourist Guide

Brisbane’s Chinatown Mall in Duncan Street (Fortitude Valley) was opened in 1987. It is a commercial, social and cultural hub of Brisbane’s Asian community and you’ll notice that the streets are signed in both English and Chinese characters with many authentic touches.

Guarding the entrances of the mall are pairs of stone lions which were presented as gifts from the People’s Republic of China. They acts as protectors against evil spirits and as a symbol of friendship and respect.

The area is centred around the pedestrian mall on Duncan Street but many shops and restaurants have opened up so Chinatown now stretches from Alfred Street to McLachlan Street and Gipps Street to Constance Street.

Restaurants & Dining 

There’s a wonderful variety of restaurants including traditional Chinese restaurants and dumpling houses.

It’s an especially popular destination on Sunday for those wanting to soak up a hangover with some Yum Cha. There are also other restaurants with authentic Asian cuisine including Korean Barbeque, Indonesian, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese.

Every weekend Chinatown is home to markets held in the mall where shoppers can pick up a range of curiosities and Pan-Asian foods.

During the week you can also grab great bargains at the various shops and supermarkets. It’s a colourful and vibrant part of Brisbane and one not to miss.