Things to do in Chinatown Chicago

By Dom Bewley
things to do in chinatown chicago

Welcome, readers! The windy city beckons you, so gather round and let me tell you tales of the city's wonders. Long ago, Chinese immigrants came over to this country. Their aim? To help realize the modern America we know and love today. To put it simply, this country would be very different if it wasn't for Chinese immigrants. That's why they settled in many cities, and why Chicago has its own Chinatown. So, now you know the mightily abridged version of history, how about the present? Well, Chinatown is full of wonderful things to do, and thanks to us, you now have this handy guide to, well, guide you. Let's get on with it, shall we? These are the best things to do in Chinatown, Chicago.

Including:

  • Chinatown Square
  • Nine Dragon Wall
  • PopKTV
  • Ping Tom Memorial Park
  • Water taxis
  • and more!
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Chinatown Square

Let's kick things off with a shopping extravaganza. Chinatown Square is a two-story mall that was built on the site of an old railyard back in the '90s. The third-largest Chinese mall in the country, Chinatown Square is packed with local businesses, where you can buy food, beauty products, clothes, and then sit down for a traditional meal at one of the many restaurants within. They even put on performances there during the summer, if you happen to be stopping by in the warmer months. And make sure to snap some pics of the twelve statues of the Chinese zodiac you'll find.

Chinese-American Museum of Chicago

Did our intro pique your interest in Chinese-American history? First of all, good. Secondly, why not check out the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago? You will find a bunch of exhibits that give you insight into Chinese culture. There's also an entire exhibition dedicated to Chinese immigrants, which follows the journey they made across the Pacific, where they settled, and what it's like for an immigrant to live in Chicago. A definite eye-opener, and one of the best things to do in Chicago's Chinatown for inquisitive minds!

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Nine Dragon Wall

For another social-worthy pic, be sure to head to the Nine Dragon Wall. This recreation of China's original wall may not have been commissioned by the Emperors, but it is simply awe-inspiring nonetheless! Featuring mythical Chinese creatures, and the eponymous 9, which is said to promote long life, it's a great stop on your Chinatown tour of Chicago. So go get snapping, and make your friends devilishly jealous.

PopKTV

Fancy a little entertainment on your visit to Chinatown? Go check out PopKTV, Chinatown's premier karaoke spot. There, you can hire a private room for you and your friends, have a few drinks to calm your nerves, and then belt out awful renditions of your favorite songs to your heart's content. If you're in the mood to impress, or disgust, your friends, it's the perfect spot to flex your cords.

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Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute

Another stop on your culture trip is the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute, which was created to introduce Chinese learning programs to US schools, including cultural and language studies. Nowadays, it's better known for its many tours of Chinatown, where you'll be taken around some of its best spots, and learn about the culture and heritage surrounding it. They also offer cooking and meditation classes, among others. So go check them out, and see if anything sounds interesting.

Ping Tom Memorial Park

Ping Tom was a Chinese-American businessman, who worked as a trustee and director of many programs that benefited Chinatown, where he grew up. Spearheading plans to create this park, when he suddenly died of pancreatic cancer, they decided to name it after him! Now, it's a hotspot for watersports, features an indoor activity center with a pool, gym, and other amenities, and is a great place to relax on a warm summer's day. And, if you want to get there in style, check out the next entry on our list!

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Take a water taxi

How does taking to the waves and getting ferried about sound? If you're into that, then you absolutely must try a water taxi. In summer, these wave riders are the community's most popular transport, helping would-be travelers cross the Chicago River and enter Chinatown. Slow and steady wins the race in this case, as you won't be hopping on any speedboats. Make the most of your journey. Relax, enjoy it. You'll have the chance to see some of Chicago's most recognizable landmarks by the river, and if you fancy visiting Ping Tom Memorial Park, you can get a ride directly to it! Easily one of the most unique things you can do in Chinatown, Chicago.

Old Chinatown

No Chinatown experience would be complete without a visit to Old Chinatown. Its entrance flanked by red, welcoming pillars; step into the world of old and admire the architecture and beauty within. So much history went into the creation of Old Chinatown that every mural, every building, and every street tells a story. You're sure to find teahouses to get refreshed, food stalls to refuel, and independent shops selling any number of worthy nick-nacks.

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Hoypoloi Gallery

In Greek, hoi polloi simply referred to 'the people.' But today, it is considered a derogatory phrase, often associated with the 'unwashed masses' or 'riffraff.' But Hoypoloi Gallery turns that phrase on its head, to its advantage. This gallery specializes in unique art pieces that anyone can purchase. You'll find a weird and wide variety of artworks there, including leftfield takes on Disney classics, sculptures of famous cultural icons with a strange twist, and much more. So, if you're in Chinatown and in the market for some weird art, go check it out!

Grab a delicious bite to eat

And, finally, we end with food. Glorious food. Chinese cuisine is one of the world's favorites, and you'll find plate loads of it in Chicago's Chinatown! The Golden Bull is your one-stop-shop for everything Chinese, with pages upon pages of traditional Chinese cuisine waiting to be tasted! Or, if you want some delicious dim sum, check out Cai with its classy vibe and perfectly put-together plates. Alternatively, if you're in the market for seafood, head over to Emperor's Choice. Those are just a few of the many restaurants you'll find in the area, so no matter what you're feeling like, there's bound to be something to fill your belly!

And that's our list of the best things to do in Chinatown, Chicago!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Hyde Park, Chicago

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Perfect for big and little kids alike, the Museum of Science and Industry is sure to scratch that curiosity itch, and is easily one of the best things to do in Hyde Park when you visit Chicago! Frederick C. Robie House Created by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright as the future of horizontal design, Robie House is an artifact of its time. Built for the wealthy Robie family, they sadly had to leave the abode after just over a year due to familial gambling debts. However, their loss is your gain, as you can now explore this beautifully-designed building yourself! Take a tour of the landmark, and learn all about the building's history, and the inspiration for its design. Parks, parks, and more parks Since we're talking about Hyde Park, we'd be remiss not to mention some parks. There are plenty of places to stroll through nature or lay on some sweet green grass in the area. Midway Plaisance Park offers a mile of green goodness, and great views of the city too. Head there in the colder months, and you might even find a makeshift ice rink set up so you can carve some sick powder, or whatever you do at an ice rink. Since the park is supported by the neighboring University of Chicago, you can be sure that it's well taken care of. And, lucky you, you may even see the occasional hacky sack tournament or other studenty goings-on. Or, if you're looking for more activities, check our Jackson Park. There, you'll find a gym to pump some sweet iron, as well as tennis and basketball courts for all your ball-related needs. On top of all the action, you'll also discover hundreds of species of birds, trees, and perhaps even bees. Make sure to check out the Osaka Garden before you leave. It's the epitome of peaceful. And, finally, head to Burnham Park and go to Promontory Point. This lookout point is a great place to relax in the shadow of the city's beautiful skyline. Plus, they put on a number of events there, such as movies and performances. So go there, admire this beautiful place, and have some fun while you're at it! Smart Museum of Art Do you want to get smart? Of course you do! We have just the ticket - the Smart Museum of Art! Part of the University of Chicago's campus, you'll find a world of art from throughout time. A must-visit exhibit is the Asian Collection, which features paintings and sculptures from thousands of years of Asian history. Learn all about the techniques and materials artists used to create their masterpieces throughout millennia. Then, refuel at the Smart Cafe with some delicious bites and refreshing drinks on offer! Eat! All this walking around and looking at things can sure make you hungry. So, where better to squash that hunger than at one of the area's many amazing restaurants! There are plenty of cuisines to choose from, so no matter your taste, you'll find something to snack on! Feeling bougie? Head to Chez Moi and check out the French takes on delicious seafood dishes. Itching for some Italian? Check out Piccolo Mondo or Francesca's for some authentic dining. In the market for some fantastic pizza pie? Look no further than Giordano's. Some say it's the best deep dish in the city. Go to the theater Are you feeling fancy? Do you want a little culture in your life? Go visit Court Theater. Another part of the University of Chicago's campus, Court Theater features amateur and professional performances from a variety of groups. With around 20 performances going on every year, you're sure to find something mind-opening on show. Even the critics agree, with the WSJ voting it the most consistently excellent theater company in the country! Hit the beach Next up on the list, let's check out the golden sands of the beach. 57 Street Beach is just a stone's throw from the Museum of Science and Industry, and offers visitors sand, sun, and sea in equal measure. Take a towel and relax, dare to dip in the ocean, or simply stroll along the shore for the perfect relaxing end to your Hyde Park visit. Easily one of the best things to do in Chicago! The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago And finally, we end our adventure back at the uni, baby, where you'll find The Oriental Institute. This museum slash learning center is focused on the history of the great ancient civilizations of the past, including Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt. Inside, you'll find over 300,000 artifacts, including scrolls, tablets, and other wonders excavated from the earth. While commonly used as a great place of study for students, there's nothing stopping curiously-minded people from wandering in and around the amazing artifacts on show. You can even pick up a keepsake from the institute's shop, if you want to show your support, and show off your trip to your colleagues. And that's our list of the best things to do in Hyde Park when you visit Chicago! In the market for more city fun? Check out Chinatown, or see what's going on at Lincoln Park!
Dom Bewley

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