Chinatown is a hot spot for great food, architecture, shopping and museums. If you’re new to visiting this part of the city, start with the Chicago Architecture Center’s walking tour of Chinatown, which is ideal for teens and tweens, too. Then, stick around for delicious food, adorable shops and scenic parks.
Getting there: Chinatown is located on Chicago’s South Side, spanning 26th Street as its southern border to Ping Tom Memorial Park to the north, and from Federal and Clark on the east to the South Branch of the river on the west. Wentworth and Canal mark the center of the business district.
Eat
Joy Yee
Address: 2139 S. China Place, Chicago
Chinatown is known for its food, and the top restaurant depends on what you’re looking for. While exploring the neighborhood, stop at Joy Yee to treat the kids to one of the best bubble teas in the city.
Phoenix
View this post on Instagram
- Address: 2131 S. Archer Ave., Chicago
Located inside Chinatown Square, Phoenix offers up a unique dim sum dining experience with rolling carts of food that diners can choose from.
MingHin Cuisine
View this post on Instagram
- Address: 2168 S. Archer Ave., Chicago
A Chinatown favorite, MingHin has additional locations across the city and in Naperville. While at the original location, be sure to try some of the Chinese staples like chicken feet and barbecue pork buns.
Xi’an Cuisine
View this post on Instagram
- Address: 225 W. Cermak Road, Chicago
Sandwiches aren’t banned from Chinese cuisine, and if your kids love anything between two slices of bread, they can improve their palates with choices like marinated beef, vegetables or pork elbow.
Tours Les Jours
- Address:Â 2144 S Archer Ave Unit A, Chicago
Once you’ve enjoyed the salty, tangy and spicy flavors of Chinatown, you need to finish your meal with a sweet treat. This French-Asian bakery has glass classes filled with cakes, pastries and other baked goods that are full of unique flavor combinations. Try matcha bread, fruit pastries, chocolate croissants and more. Pair your dessert with a specialty coffee or smoothie.
Play
Ping Tom Memorial ParkÂ
- Address: 1700 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago
Part of the Chicago Park District, Ping Tom Memorial Park is uniquely constructed with beautiful views of the Chicago River. The playground includes climbing structures for all sizes and ages, and a beautiful pagoda welcomes visitors to the boat launch. Explore the walking paths to find murals and watch boats pass by.
Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
- Address: Starts at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and heads north up Wentworth to Cermak Road
Featuring marching bands, colorful floats, traditional lion dances and a special appearance by Ronald McDonald, the parade celebrates the start of the new year. In 2021, the Chinese Zodiac marks the Year of the Ox.
Chinatown Summer Fair
- Address: Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road, Chicago
This iconic annual celebration of Far East culture includes the Dragon Lion Dance Procession, artisans, food vendors and more. The event usually occurs mid-July.
Dragonboat Race for Literacy
- Address: Ping Tom Memorial Park, 1700 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago
Families can watch teams compete in a fast-paced race on the South Branch of the Chicago River in decorated dragon boats. Also at the yearly event, enjoy live musical and dance performances, booth vendors and special guest appearances. This event usually occurs in late June.
Shop
Chinatown SquareÂ
- Address: 2133 S. China Place, Chicago
The square is a two-level center of shops and restaurants with plenty of options. In the middle of the vast mall are 12 bronze statues of the animals of the Chinese zodiac.
Aji Ichiban
View this post on Instagram
- Address: 2117 S. China Place, Chicago
Kids will LOVE a stop at Aji Ichiban, a candy store and more. Pick up candy by the pound or pre-packaged with options that range from sugary sweets to gummies to chocolate.
AJ Housewares & Gifts
View this post on Instagram
- Address: 2125 S. China Place, Chicago
This little gift shop is wall-to-wall Chinatown toys, decorations, accessories and even more to bring the best of the neighborhood home with you.
Explore
Chinese American Museum of Chicago
View this post on Instagram
- Address: 238 W. 23rd St., Chicago
The museum houses the history of migration to the city, plus revolving exhibitions about the Chinese experience in the U.S.
Chinese American Veterans Memorial
View this post on Instagram
Honoring Chinese Americans who served in U.S. armed forces, the monument was dedicated in 2005 and is a short walk from Chinatown Square.
Pui Tak Center
View this post on Instagram
- Address: 2216 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago
The community center serves more than 30,000 Chinese American citizens that live in and around Chinatown, including in Bridgeport, Canaryville and the South Loop. Volunteer opportunities are open for families who want to spend more time in the community.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.Â
