Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood is a bustling southside neighborhood filled with culture, history, and delicious food. There’s so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming, but we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ways to explore this must see area below.
1. Visit the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago
This museum provides an incredible look at the experiences of Chinese immigrants in Chicago. Here, visitors can learn about the challenges that early Chinese immigrants faced, as well as their contributions to the city. The museum also features exhibits on Chinese art, music, and culture.
2. Explore the Nine Dragon Wall
Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Nine Dragon Wall is an intricate and colorful display featuring nine dragons. It’s a popular spot for photos and a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
3. Experience a traditional Chinese brunch at one of Chinatown’s many dim sum restaurants
As mentioned before, dim sum is a traditional Chinese brunch that consists of small dishes such as dumplings, buns, and rolls. Some of the best dim sum restaurants in Chinatown include MingHin Cuisine, Phoenix Restaurant, and Triple Crown Restaurant.
4. Take a stroll through Ping Tom Memorial Park
This beautiful green space offers stunning views of the Chicago River and is the perfect place for a leisurely walk or a picnic. The park also offers a variety of activities such as kayaking and fishing.
5. Check out the annual Chinatown Summer Fair
This popular event is held every year in July and features live music, traditional dancing, food vendors, and more. It’s a great way to experience the vibrant culture of Chinatown and have some fun in the sun.
6. Attend the Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy
This fun event is held every summer and features teams of paddlers racing dragon boats down the Chicago River. It’s a great way to enjoy some outdoor activity and support a good cause, as proceeds from the event go towards promoting literacy in Chicago.
7. Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs
Chinatown is home to a variety of shops selling everything from traditional Chinese herbs and teas to beautiful handcrafted items. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift or souvenir to take home with you.
These are just a few of the many activities and attractions that Chinatown has to offer. For more information and resources, We recommend also checking out the Explore Chinatown website (https://www.chicagochinatown.org/) and the Choose Chicago website (https://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods/chinatown/). Both sites offer a wealth of information on things to do, places to eat, and events happening in the area.