8 Best Things to Do in Chinatown Chicago
Chicago’s Chinatown sits on the South Side and packs more flavor, color, and culture into a few blocks than most neighborhoods manage in square miles.
For those ready to explore the heart of this lively community, here are the best things to do in Chinatown Chicago.
View this post on Instagram
1. Explore Chinatown’s Outdoor Mall
Chinatown Square opened in 1993 as a two-story open-air shopping destination built on what used to be a railyard. It’s one of the largest Chinese malls in the country, and it’s packed with local shops selling everything from beauty products to traditional clothing.
Gift shops and boutiques line the walkways; dim sum joints tempt you at every turn. The place feels like a mini neighborhood where shopping, eating, and people-watching all mix together.
2. Visit Ping Tom Memorial Park
Ping Tom Memorial Park hugs the Chicago River and delivers skyline views you won’t want to skip. It honors local community leader Ping Tom and features a pagoda-style pavilion that’s begging to be in your next photo dump.
Green spaces, riverfront paths, and a riverside terrace invite you to chill out and watch boats drift by with downtown as your backdrop. Spring through fall, the weather’s usually perfect for a stroll or a lazy afternoon.
View this post on Instagram
3. Dine at Lao Sze Chuan
Lao Sze Chuan in Chinatown is the place to go for authentic Szechuan food that packs a punch. On the menu is dry chili chicken, hot pot, Szechuan green beans—the works.
Near one of the side gates off Archer Avenue, this casual spot has built a rep for comforting Chinese dishes with that signature Szechuan kick. The portions are big, the prices are reasonable, and if you crave heat, you’ll be in the right place.
4. Indulge at Joy Yee Noodle
Joy Yee Noodle is a restaurant with a massive menu of Asian dishes that is worth a detour. Getting a table is usually quick, even when it’s packed.
Generous portions and wallet-friendly prices mean you can try a bunch of things without overthinking it.
View this post on Instagram
5. Tour the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago
The Chinese American Museum of Chicago gives you a peek into local Chinese American history—art, culture, and stories from one of America’s oldest Chinese communities.
Chinatown got its start in the 1870s, when Chinese immigrants left California for the Midwest. The museum highlights stories and artifacts that make this neighborhood such a big part of Chicago’s history.
6. Try Dim Sum at MingHin Cuisine
MingHin Cuisine specializes in authentic Cantonese cooking and Hong Kong-style dim sum that’s tough to beat. Multiple locations dot Chicago, but the Chinatown spot is a go-to for locals.
Steamed dumplings and BBQ pork buns headline a menu that’s stacked with choices. The seafood and dim sum are especially popular. Vegan and vegetarian options are available, too, so nobody feels left out.
View this post on Instagram
7. Stroll Through the Nine Dragon Wall
The Nine Dragon Wall stands as a stunning landmark in Chinatown, covered in colorful ceramic dragons. It’s a magnet for photos, and it deserves the attention.
Dragons symbolize good fortune and strength in Chinese culture. Up close, the craftsmanship is wild—every scale and swirl feels intentional. The peaceful setting makes it a nice spot to pause and take it all in.
8. Attend the Chinese New Year Parade
If you’re lucky enough to be in Chicago in February, the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade draws around 30,000 people to celebrate the start of the lunar calendar.
Dragon dancers, lion performances, and floats honoring the zodiac animal of the year fill the streets with color and noise.
The parade kicks off at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and marches north up Wentworth to Cermak Road. This free event is pure energy—music, costumes, and a whole lot of local pride.
