The historic Chinatown in Victoria, British Columbia is the oldest Chinatown in Canada, and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco's. Once home to the largest Chinese population in the country, during its historical peak in the 20th century, Victoria's Chinatown was a densely populated maze of shops, theatres, schools, and temples.
With a surge of immigration in the late 19th century, Victoria's Chinatown grew by leaps and bounds. The area quickly garnered a seedy reputation because of the rise of opium factories, gambling dens, and brothels. As the decades past, the area began to decline in both population and size, and by the 1980s plans to significantly revitalize Chinatown had begun.
Today, Victoria's Chinatown is popular with artists, tourists, and locals alike. Places like Fan Tan Alley showcase the oddities and history within this unique neighbourhood. Between the markets, coffee shops, bright lanterns, and vibrant colours, there's an undeniable energy here. Victoria's Chinatown has become a must-see downtown attraction within the city, and in 1995 it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
The fact that abandoned structures are so notable in Detroit, Michigan is unfortunate, but it's made the city an irresistible location for urban explorers. Even in Detroit's downtown core, it's amazing how many incredible buildings are unoccupied or completely abandoned.
Just a short walk outside of downtown we stumbled upon Brush Park, a once affluent neighborhood full of grand homes and mansions. Large portions of land have since been cleared of derelict properties as the area declined, so many of the streets now have more vacant lots than standing structures. A few of the homes have actually been restored, others look prepped for renovation, and a number of them are completely abandoned or in ruins.
What makes Detroit's abandoned locations so fascinating is the wealth that existed here. When you see the architecture, the level of craftsmanship, or the historical status of many of these places you can't help but feel a bit heartbroken about the entire situation. This is just one neighborhood, but we were only a 10 minute walk away from the heart of downtown. It paints a picture of just how serious Detroit's decline has been.
