Chinese Heritage in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR)

16 September 2022

Since the mid-nineteenth century, Victoria’s Chinese communities have significantly contributed to the state’s social, cultural and economic development.

Chinese communities’ contributions

From the gold rush period through to the blossoming of Australia’s oldest Chinatown in Melbourne as a popular multicultural gathering place, the experiences and achievements of Victoria’s Chinese people can be read in the historic places and objects around us.

In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in recognising Chinese Australian heritage. Victoria’s built environment (places) and material culture (objects and collections) help tell the stories of Chinese people from the past. This is usefully assisted by archival resources, such as photographs and documents, to deepen our appreciation of these important and sometimes hidden histories.

Finding Chinese communities in the VHR

The history of Chinese people in Victoria is evident across the VHR. Below is a selection of places and objects in the VHR which directly reflect the contribution and experiences of Victoria’s Chinese communities.

The list is not exhaustive, and we welcome further information. If you know of places or objects of State-level significance that warrant inclusion in the VHR, you are invited to make a nomination.

Make a nomination