Nice spot by the fountain
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Mississauga Chinese Centre

4.1
·3k reviews·Mississauga, Canada

A unique architectural landmark and culinary hub, offering a taste of Chinese culture and affordable Pan-Asian delights.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere & events

CrowdHigh
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Nice spot by the fountain

Mississauga Chinese Centre

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere & events

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique architectural landmark and culinary hub, offering a taste of Chinese culture and affordable Pan-Asian delights.

4.1
(3k reviews)

"One of North America's most remarkable tourist and architectural destinations, offering a unique glimpse into Chinese traditions."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore the Food Gems

Don't miss the chance to try affordable and delicious eats, especially banh mi and Vietnamese yogurt!

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Gardens

Take time to stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the traditional Chinese pavilion.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nine Dragon Wall Replica

Nine Dragon Wall Replica

Exterior

Marvel at the intricate replica of the iconic Nine Dragon Wall, a stunning example of Chinese artistry and symbolism.

Soo Chow Garden Pavilion

Soo Chow Garden Pavilion

Gardens

Wander through beautiful gardens and admire the serene Soo Chow Garden pavilion, offering a peaceful escape.

Authentic Pan-Asian Food Court

Authentic Pan-Asian Food Court

Food Court

Savor a wide array of affordable and delicious dishes from various Asian cuisines, a true treat for food lovers.

Heritage Architecture

Heritage Architecture

Entire Centre

Experience the unique architectural style, including a grand entrance gateway built with sophisticated timber joinery.

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Planning Your Visit

Discover Architectural Wonders

Explore a unique blend of Chinese architecture, including a replica Nine Dragon Wall and Soo Chow Garden pavilion. This landmark offers a glimpse into ancient Chinese traditions and sophisticated timber construction without using nails. TikTokInstagram+1

A Culinary Adventure Awaits

Indulge in a diverse range of Pan-Asian cuisine, from authentic Chinese dishes to Vietnamese banh mi and pho. Many eateries offer delicious meals for under $5, making it a budget-friendly foodie destination. Instagram+2

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Vibrant atmosphere & events
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Lunar New Year
Why
Festive celebrations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Mississauga Chinese Centre was the 1988 brainchild of Hong Kong investors, and is now part of our city’s Heritage Register! Stop by 888 Dundas to see it for yourself 🐲 #heritage #mississauga #ontario #mississaugachinesecentre #dragonwall #chinesearchitecture #mississaugaontario
@citymississauga
2.1K likes • 44.6K views

🎯 Explore the Food Gems

Don't miss the chance to try affordable and delicious eats, especially banh mi and Vietnamese yogurt! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Gardens

Take time to stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the traditional Chinese pavilion. Instagram

With this many delicious food options for UNDER $5, the Mississauga Chinese Center is a must visit. Come join me in today’s adventure of cheap eats where we dive into various shops for hidden gems! If there’s any other cheap eats in this area, let me know! House special banh mi (Bôt Chiên) Nem chua (Thanh Son TOFU) Soybean pudding in Ginger flavour (Thanh Son TOFU) Dâu chiên fried tofu (Thanh So...
snackingwithsonia
483 likes • 24.8K views
The Mississauga Chinese Centre was the 1988 brainchild of Hong Kong investors, and is now part of our city’s Heritage Register! Stop by 888 Dundas to see it for yourself 🐲 #heritage #mississauga #ontario #mississaugachinesecentre #dragonwall #chinesearchitecture #heritagemississauga
saugaculture
303 likes • 5.8K views

🚗 Ample Parking Available

There's a large parking lot, but you might need to go through a tunnel to reach the main centre from the back. Reddit

📸 Capture the Architecture

The unique Chinese architectural elements, like the dragon wall, make for great photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

The Mississauga Chinese Centre is filled with hidden gems, including @xe_kem 🍦 Have you tried Vietnamese yogurt? They have a wide variety of desserts to try at extremely affordable prices.
yourcitywithin
31 likes • 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore the Food Gems

Don't miss the chance to try affordable and delicious eats, especially banh mi and Vietnamese yogurt! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Gardens

Take time to stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the traditional Chinese pavilion. Instagram

🚗 Ample Parking Available

There's a large parking lot, but you might need to go through a tunnel to reach the main centre from the back. Reddit

📸 Capture the Architecture

The unique Chinese architectural elements, like the dragon wall, make for great photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

🛍️ Discover Asian Groceries

Stock up on authentic Chinese and Asian groceries at the supermarket within the centre. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Mississauga Chinese Centre for its unique architectural beauty, offering a glimpse into Chinese traditions with its dragon wall and gardens. It's also celebrated as a culinary gem, boasting a wide array of affordable and delicious Pan-Asian food options. While some may find it a bit dated, its cultural significance and value make it a distinctive destination.

"Mississauga Chinese Centre is one of the North America’s most remarkable tourist and architectural destinations. The centre provides a unique glimpse into the fascinating architectural history and traditions of ancient China. The replicas of the Nine Dragon Wall, Soo Chow Garden pavilion, stone scuptures and fortress at the Great Wall.

The Centre has a building area of over 100,000 Sq., situated on a site of ten acres. A large variety of retail stores including restaurants, arts and crafts centers, herbs, ginseng shop and supermarket.

The main Entrance Gateway measures 43 feet tall and was built with 17,000 Cubic Meters of timber. Throughout the construction of the gate, a single nail was never used. The use of only wooden studs demonstrates the extremely sophisticated building.

Mississauga Chinese Centre is not just a shopping mall, it combines shopping, dining, tourism, and cultural activities to become the most distinctive shopping mall in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada."

Margaret Wong

"This is locally called the Pagoda or Chinese pagoda in Mississauga China town, where you find Chinese and Asian groceries, restaurants, beauty, nails and spa. There are really good restaurants here, sushi, pho and Chinese, Vietnamese sandwiches so a visit here would make choosing a bit hard if you’re undecided. But whatever you choose to do, I’m sure you’ll be happy with it."

Dan de la Cruz

"The China Town here in city of Mississauga is one of the best setup in North America, once inside, it feels like in the different world, the pavilion, ancient statues and fish pond etc. The best reflection of Chinese culture 👌"

James K.

What People Like

Unique Chinese architecture
Affordable Pan-Asian food
Cultural experience

What People Dislike

Can feel dated

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mississauga Chinese Centre is located at 888 Dundas Street East. It's accessible by car and public transit. Ample parking is available, though some areas require passing through a tunnel. Reddit

Yes, there is a large parking lot available. For those parking at the back, you may need to go through a tunnel to reach the main centre. Reddit

You can reach the centre via various MiWay bus routes that service the Dundas Street East area. Check the MiWay website for specific route information.

While many areas are accessible, some older sections or garden paths might present challenges. It's advisable to check with individual businesses for specific accessibility.

Yes, it's a popular day trip from Toronto. You can drive or take public transit, which typically involves GO Transit and then a local bus.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Mississauga Chinese Centre itself is free. You only pay for any food, goods, or services you purchase inside. Instagram

Individual store and restaurant hours can vary. Generally, most businesses are open from late morning to early evening, with some staying open later, especially on weekends. It's best to check specific business hours if you have a particular place in mind.

There are no admission fees for viewing the architectural replicas like the Nine Dragon Wall or exploring the gardens. Instagram

While not a primary function, some community events are held here, especially during Lunar New Year. For private tours or event bookings, you would likely need to contact individual businesses or a community association.

While an official comprehensive directory might not be readily available online, you can find a good overview of the types of businesses present, including restaurants, grocery stores, and service shops. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a wide variety of Pan-Asian cuisine, including authentic Chinese dishes, Vietnamese pho and banh mi, sushi, and more. Many options are very affordable. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! Many TikTok and Instagram creators highlight the incredibly affordable eats, with some meals costing under $5. Look for banh mi, soybean pudding, and other street food-style options. Instagram+1

Popular choices include banh mi from Banh Mi Nguyet Minh, Vietnamese yogurt desserts from Xe Kem, and various Chinese takeout options. Instagram+2

The centre features a food court with diverse options, as well as several individual restaurants and eateries offering a more sit-down experience. Instagram

While many dishes are meat-centric, you can often find vegetarian options like vegetable stir-fries, noodle dishes, and some tofu-based items. It's best to inquire with the specific restaurant. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Nine Dragon Wall replica, the Soo Chow Garden pavilion, the grand entrance gateway, and the general architectural details are prime photo locations. TikTokInstagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be respectful of businesses and patrons, and avoid intrusive photography. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting. Weekdays are less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots of the architecture. Instagram

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most shots. If you want to capture the intricate details of the architecture, a camera with a good zoom lens can be beneficial.

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around commercial properties due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drone photography is not permitted unless explicitly authorized.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Mississauga Chinese Centre offers a fun and engaging outing for families. Kids will be fascinated by the unique architecture, especially the dragon wall and garden pavilions, which can spark their imagination. TikTokInstagram The diverse food court is a great advantage, ensuring there's something to please even picky eaters, with many affordable and kid-friendly options like banh mi and sweet treats. Instagram+1 It's a great place for a casual family meal and a bit of cultural exploration without a hefty price tag.

💰 Budget Travelers

This centre is a dream for budget travelers! You can explore impressive Chinese architecture and beautiful gardens for free. Instagram The real win is the food: numerous vendors offer delicious meals for under $5, making it incredibly easy to eat well without breaking the bank. Instagram+1 It's a fantastic destination for experiencing culture and cuisine on a shoestring budget.

🍜 Food Enthusiasts

For foodies, the Mississauga Chinese Centre is a must-visit. Dive into a world of authentic Pan-Asian flavors, from Vietnamese banh mi and pho to Chinese specialties and sushi. Instagram+1 The highlight is the incredible value, with many dishes being exceptionally affordable, allowing you to sample a wide variety of cuisines. Instagram Don't miss out on unique desserts and the chance to explore an Asian supermarket for specialty ingredients. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

The Mississauga Chinese Centre is a remarkable architectural destination, designed to evoke the grandeur of ancient China. Its construction, particularly the main entrance gateway, showcases sophisticated timber joinery techniques, famously built without a single nail. TikTokInstagram This dedication to traditional craftsmanship makes it a unique landmark in North America. The centre's design is a testament to the cultural heritage it represents, offering visitors a tangible connection to Chinese traditions. Instagram

Key architectural features include the impressive replica of the Nine Dragon Wall, a vibrant and symbolic screen wall, and the tranquil Soo Chow Garden pavilion. These elements, along with stone sculptures and fortress-like structures reminiscent of the Great Wall, create an immersive experience. The covered walkways around the centre are designed to mimic the pathways of Beijing's historic Yee Wo Garden, further enhancing the sense of being transported to another world. Instagram

Recognized as part of Mississauga's Heritage Register, the centre's design was the brainchild of Hong Kong investors in 1988. TikTokInstagram Its 100,000 sq. ft. building area on a ten-acre site was intended to be more than just a shopping mall; it was envisioned as a hub for shopping, dining, tourism, and cultural activities, making it a distinctive destination in Ontario. Reddit

A Culinary Hotspot

The Mississauga Chinese Centre is a paradise for food lovers, offering an incredible array of Pan-Asian culinary delights at surprisingly affordable prices. Social media buzz frequently highlights the value, with many creators discovering delicious meals for under $5. Instagram This makes it an ideal spot for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike looking for authentic flavors. Instagram

From savory Vietnamese banh mi and flavorful pho to authentic Chinese takeout and fresh sushi, the variety is extensive. Popular spots include Banh Mi Nguyet Minh for their sandwiches and Xe Kem for unique Vietnamese yogurt desserts. Instagram+1 The food court buzzes with activity, offering quick and tasty options, while individual restaurants provide a more relaxed dining experience. Instagram

Beyond the main dishes, you can also find sweet treats like soybean pudding in ginger flavor and refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee. Instagram+1 The centre also houses a supermarket where you can find a wide selection of Asian groceries, allowing you to take a taste of your culinary discoveries home with you. Reddit

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