Chicago’s Chinatown is one of the most enigmatic, vibrant, and rich areas in our city. It’s the reason why so many of us love to visit its bustling streets. But Chinatown can also be intimidating for those who aren’t in the know. From small mom-and-pop shops to cultural landmarks, there's so much to do and eat!
Whether you are a local or a visitor, finding the best things to do in Chinatown Chicago requires a bit of insider knowledge. In this guide, you’ll find some of the neighborhood's most intriguing cultural sights, mesmerizing annual events, and superior culinary spots. Read on to discover the 22+ best restaurants, stores, landmarks, and adventures that only locals know about.
Visitors usually come to Chinatown with one goal in mind: find the best Chicago Chinese food without having to get on a plane. There's an enormous variety of regional dishes, secret specialties, and unique eats that are worth devouring.
Photo Source: Chicago Food & City Tours
You have limited time. Your hunger is vast. And you want to try it all. What’s the best way to tackle Chinatown? Easy. Take a food tour.
The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour is a fantastic way to get a bite out of everything the neighborhood has to offer. Our expert guides will show you hidden gems and teach you the history behind each dish. Between full portions of Hong Kong dim sum, spicy Szechuan noshes, and traditional Chinese pastries, you’ll also learn the stories behind some of Chinatown’s most famous landmarks.
Photo Source: Time Out Chicago
A Chinatown fixture for over twenty years, Triple Crown is cherished for its commitment to day-long dim sum. That means you can satisfy your cravings for shrimp dumplings, fried sesame balls, and puffy egg custard tarts right at 9:00 am or 11:00 pm. Triple Crown also offers daily lunch specials and a menu that highlights their Cantonese and Hong Kong roots.
Phto Source: Lao Sze Chuan
Acclaimed Chef Tony Hu has received international acclaim for his expertly executed Sichuan dishes at Lao Sze Chuan. You’ll find his signature Dry Chili Chicken, Mapo Tofu, and more. Known for flavorful sauces, dry roasted chilis, and fiery spices, this regional style of cooking is sure to satisfy the most adventurous palates.
Insider Tip: Lao Sze Chuan is such a fixture in the local food scene that we’ve dubbed its Dry Chili Chicken as one of the best foods in Chicago.
Photo Source: Qing Xian Yuang Dumplings
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings elevates the mighty dumpling to an art form. Each wrapper is filled with the freshest ingredients, the juiciest of broths, and ingenious blends. Servings are made to order and can be either steamed, fried, or boiled.
Photo Source: Yelp
Over the years, Chinatown Chicago has welcomed the culinary traditions of its Asian neighbors. Ahjoomah’s Apron was one of the first Korean restaurants to open in the neighborhood, offering classic dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi.
Photo Source: Xi’an Cuisine
Xi’an Cuisine specializes in flat breads, a regional street food consisting of thin, pita-like breads stuffed with a variety of meats and vegetables. Don’t sleep on the cumin lamb! They also serve hand-stretched noodles and specialty soups.
If you are looking for cultural things to do in Chinatown Chicago, the neighborhood offers rich history and architectural beauty around every corner.
Photo Source: Chicago Tribune
Chicago is home to the only museum in the Midwest that focuses on the Chinese immigrant experience. The Chinese American Museum of Chicago tells those stories via their permanent exhibit, “Great Walls to Great Lakes.”
Photo Source: Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute
Right on the corner of Cermak and Wentworth, you’ll find a breathtaking wall adorned with nine large dragons and over 500 smaller ones. Modeled after a wall in Beijing’s Forbidden City, Chicago’s wall is one of only four other replicas in the world.
Photo Source: Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill LLP
Sleek and imposing, the Chicago Public Library Branch in Chinatown features a partially-covered green roof and Feng Shui-influenced interiors. It’s one of the most photographed modern buildings in the neighborhood.
Photo Source: Choose Chicago
Looming over the busy streets, the iconic Chinatown Gate greets residents and visitors. It is the gateway to "Old Chinatown," where you’ll see more densely packed streets and businesses than the more orderly Chinatown Square.
Photo Source: Ping Tom Memorial Park
Located on what used to be an old rail yard, Ping Tom Memorial Park is one of the most peaceful parks in the city. Nestled alongside the Chicago River, it boasts some of the most unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline.
Insider Tip: The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour often includes a stop near this scenic park, which is a perfect spot for photography.
Photo Source: Yelp
Bin after bin of Asian candies, dried fruits, and savory snacks await at Aji Ichiban Candy & Snacks in Chinatown Chicago. We recommend shopping by bulk so you can try everything from Green Tea Kit Kats to crunchy seaweed.
Photo Source: TimeOut Chicago
With floor-to-ceiling shelves of home goods, toys, gifts, and even nunchuks, there’s no way you’ll leave empty-handed when visiting AJ Housewares & Gifts.
Photo Source: Chiu Quon Bakery
Opened in 1986, Chiu Quon Bakery is the oldest Chinese bakery in the neighborhood. Their steamed buns and fluffy cream cakes are legendary.
The corner of Cermak and Wentworth is the heart of Chinatown and of Chicago’s Chinese community. It’s here that you’ll find many of the annual celebrations, parades, and festivities that keep their new and old traditions alive.
Photo Source: Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation
The biggest parade of all remains the Lunar New Year Parade in Chinatown Chicago. Over 30,000 people typically attend this colorful, lively festival featuring marching bands, floats, and lion dancers.
Photo Source: Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
Every summer, 32 teams race up the Chicago River in elaborate dragon boats. The Chicago Chinatown Dragon Boat Race is a 2,000-year-old tradition that serves as a major charity fundraiser for the local community.
Photo Source: TaiwaneseAmerican.org
Chinatown Chicago's Autumn Moon Festival is a celebration of family and food, where you must try a mooncake, a traditional pastry filled with red bean or lotus seed paste.
Photo Source: CCC Foundation
The Chinatown Summer Fair distinguishes itself with a lion dance procession and booths offering samples of the neighborhood’s tastiest dishes and kung fu demonstrations.
Photo Source: @eater_chicago
Famous for their massive boba menu, Joy Yee stays open late (until 10:30 pm), making it a great place to end your night with a fruit freeze or bubble tea.
Photo Source: Urban Matter
For a rowdy good time, Sakura Karaoke Bar offers a stage, dance floor, and private VIP lounges for those who want to sing their hearts out.
Photo Source: Chicago Tribune
The absolute best way to get to Chinatown during the summer is the Chicago Water Taxi. It takes passengers along the Chicago River for a scenic view of the skyline and it is a total showstopper at night.
Learn more about the best Chicago Chinatown restaurants.
