Whether you’re looking to explore the magnificent local architecture, adventure through iconic landmarks or indulge in scrumptious, authentic fare, Chicago’s Chinatown district is the place to go. Established in 1912, the flourishing enclave is home to one of the largest Chinese-American communities in the country and attracts countless visitors year after year. From the scenic skyline views of Ping Tom Memorial Park to the culinary delights of Lao Sze Chuan, incomers are in for a journey ripe with history, art, culture and cuisine.
What To See & Do
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1700 S. Wentworth Ave. / Website
No visit to Chinatown is complete without a scenic stroll through Ping Tom Memorial Park. The 7.24-acre site overlooks the Chicago skyline and is home to a children’s playground, a community gathering area, Chinese landscape design elements and a fieldhouse with a gym, swimming pool, meeting rooms, fitness center and more. The park is named in honor of Ping Tom, a lifelong resident and one of Chinatown’s most celebrated civic leaders, who had a significant influence on its creation.
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2100 S. Wentworth Ave. / Website
This 16,000-square-foot, two-story library has remained a can’t-miss destination for those who wish to broaden their horizons on the Chinatown community and Chinese culture. Built in 2015, the branch features Feng shui-influenced interior design elements, a partially covered “living” roof and sprawling city views, making it a top pick for architecture aficionados, history buffs and inquisitors of culture and custom.
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2206 S. Wentworth Ave. / Website
Arguably one of Chinatown’s most iconic landmarks, the Chinatown Gateway ushers visitors into the district’s main street, South Wentworth Avenue. Designed by renowned architect Peter Fung, the gate was modeled after a wall in Bejing and features four Chinese characters, which translate to “the world belongs to the commonwealth”—a famous saying that dates back to the early 1900s.
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238 W. 23rd St. / Website
The Chinese American Museum (CMF) is a must-visit destination for those looking to expand their knowledge of Chinese American history, culture and art. Since opening in 2005, the museum has served as a hub for exhibitions, education and research centered around preserving the past, present and future of the Chinese American community, specifically in the Midwest. During your visit, be sure to check out the museum’s collection of historic objects, from a Tang Dynasty stele to an array of artifacts from Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition.
Where To Eat
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216 W. Cermak Road / Website
Craft cocktails and authentic fare are on the menu at this neighborhood spot, which is known for its tasty bites, chic atmosphere and well-stocked bar. Perfect for date night, girls’ night or a weekend nightcap, the bar slings classic libations like mai tais, highballs sake bombs, beers and shots, accompanied by specialties like the Lunazul Blanco-infused Paper Dragon with salers, passionfruit, Sichuan peppercorn and citrus and the ketel one-spiked Ghost Flight with fino sherry, blanc and rosé vermouths and lychee. Don’t forget to level up your visit with menu staples like tofu dumplings, crab ragoons, cold sesame noodles, ginger-lemongrass chicken sandwiches and more.
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2131 S. Archer Ave. / Website
Open since 1995, Phoenix Restaurant is the spot to go for crave-worthy Cantonese dim sum, which is served on rolling carts in small, bite-sized portions. From pork and seafood to noodles and Chinese BBQ, the eatery impresses with its dedication to crafting authentic fare with fresh, top-grade ingredients, and dishes are also available for takeout and delivery.
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2172 S. Archer Ave. / Website
Whether you’re in the market to sample Szechuan culinary staples or traditional Chinese dishes, this eatery has got you covered. Restaurant-goers can sample a wide range of offerings on the menu, including sweet sesame chicken, Peking duck, double-cooked dry chili pork, Mongolian lamb, Peking-style noodles, steamed pork dumplings and more.
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2159 S. China Place / Website
Noodles and bubble tea are the cornerstones of this pan-Asian eatery, which serves up everything from lobster noodles with XO Sauce and spicy basil beef to brown sugar milk tea with boba. Whether you’ve got a taste for pan-fried noodles, noodle soups, fried rice or meat and veggie entrees, the restaurant wows with dishes like tom yum shrimp noodle soup, pho, beef lo mein and garlic noodles with lemongrass grilled pork.
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2117A S. China Place / Website
End your visit on a sweet note with a visit to this local candy shop, which is home to a curated assortment of pan-Asian sweets and snacks. Peruse a selection of Chinese Lay’s Potato Chips with exclusive flavors like Peking Duck and Spicy Crab, opt for a bag of bite-sized Japanese Kit Kats or take home a handful of White Rabbit Creamy Candy—a childhood staple for many in China.
See also: The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide
Photography by: Photo by Education Images/Contributor, courtesy of Getty Images
