Chicago Chinatown

The Basics

The most popular activity for most Chinatown visitors is eating; there’s a range of budget-friendly options along Wentworth Avenue. Discover Chinese delicacies that you may otherwise have missed on a food-and-walking tour, which typically include dishes such as Hong Kong-style barbecue, Cantonese dim sum, and spicy Szechuan noodles. Pick up imported Chinese herbs and traditional ingredients at local grocers, or shop for Far East-inspired trinkets at souvenir shops.

Things to Know Before You Go

• If you’re short on time, make a quick stop in Chinatown via a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

• Many restaurants can validate paid parking for up to 2 hours.

• Remove shoes before entering the Buddhist temple on Wentworth Avenue.

• There’s a Chinatown post office that’s ideally located for shipping any large purchases home.

How to Get There

Chicago's Chinatown is centered around Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue. It’s bounded by 18th Street on the north, 23rd Street on the south, State Street on the east and the Chicago River on the west. Catch the L Red Line to Cermak-Chinatown station or take a water taxi from downtown Chicago.

When to Get There

Chinatown is especially lively during annual festivals such as Chinese New Year in January or February; the Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy in June; Chinatown Summer Fair in July; and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in September.

Chinese Cultural Walk

While Chinatown is best known for its food, there are a handful of cultural attractions worth visiting, too. Step inside a functional Buddhist temple on Wentworth Ave, stroll past traditional-style buildings in Ping Tom Memorial Park, and admire public art such as a column covered in spiraling dragons near Cermack and Princeton streets.

Ways to explore

You’re likely headed to Chinatown to eat, and there’s a range of budget-friendly options along Cermak Road and Wentworth Avenue. Discover delicacies on a walking food tour, which typically includes tastings of dishes such as Hong Kong-style barbecue, Cantonese dim sum, and spicy Szechuan noodles. Shop for imported Chinese herbs and traditional ingredients at local grocers and for Asian-inspired trinkets at import shops and the Chinatown Square mall. You can see this compact neighborhood in an hour or two, so pair a stroll here with a downtown sightseeing tour on foot or by bike, Segway, boat, or hop-on hop-off bus.

Accessibility

Chinatown has narrow, crowded sidewalks that can be a challenge to navigate with a wheelchair. Some sights and restaurants may not be accessible.

Age limits

The colorful streets and shops in Chinatown delight all ages, and adventurous kids can try sweet and savory Asian treats.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, hat, cash and credit cards

What to wear

Weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen

Not allowed

Ask permission before snapping photos of Chinatown residents and vendors.

Amenities

Restaurants and street-food stands, shops, public park with playground

Address

Chinatown sits just south of Chicago’s Loop and is easy to reach by car, bike, or public transportation.

Driving

From downtown Chicago, take Michigan Avenue south, then turn west on Cermak Road into the heart of Chinatown. There are several paid parking lots in the neighborhood.

Public transportation

CTA buses 21, 24, and 62, and the Green and Red train lines run to Chinatown from downtown Chicago. From May to September, reach Chinatown by water with the Chicago Water Taxi ferry service.

Best times to visit

This dining hub is particularly lively for lunch and dinner, especially on weekends. Sunday mornings bring the dim sum brunch crowds.

Best days to visit

Shoppers and diners hit their peak on the weekends, an ideal time to visit if you’re looking for a vibrant vibe. Weekday mornings are quieter, with more locals out shopping and dining.

Best months to visit

Much of the charm of Chinatown is in strolling its bustling streets, so visit between May and September for the mildest weather.

Special events

The Lunar New Year Parade (between late January and mid-February) is Chinatown's most important event and features traditional dragon and lion dancers, floats, marching bands, and other entertainment.