Gateway to Chicago's Chinese Culture

There is no better place in Illinois to ring in the Chinese New Year than in Chicago’s Chinatown — home to beautiful centuries-old Chinese architecture and unparalleled dining and shopping experiences. 

When you arrive, be sure to snap a photo with Chinatown’s Guardian Lions at the entrance of Chinatown Square, a two-story outdoor mall dotted with striking bronze zodiac figures. If you’re hungry, meander a few blocks to grab a mooncake or any other delicious treat from Chiu Quon Bakery, the neighborhood’s oldest bakery. 

Whether you’re a frequent visitor or a first-timer, the Chinatown Walking Tour is a great way to take in the community’s top attractions. You’ll see the Nine Dragon Wall, a replica of the wall built in Beijing in 1756 — one of only three replicas in the world outside China. The tour also includes a visit to the Pui Tak Center, the former “Chinatown City Hall,” which today provides services to help new immigrants acclimate to Chicago.

Now that you’ve walked up an appetite, it’s time to indulge in some grub from one of the many area favorites. Golden Bull Restaurant may not look like much from the outside, but the service is impeccable, and the locals love it for tasty dishes like sweet and sour pork and potstickers. Emperor's Choice Restaurant has a similarly cozy vibe, with authentic offerings like salt and pepper soft shell crab or mapo tofu.  

Following your meal, peruse art pieces and the mural on the second floor of the Chicago Public Library Chinatown Branch. Built in 2015, the library incorporates modern design elements both inside and out that have helped make it a local landmark.  

Just steps away, spend the rest of the afternoon taking a stroll through Ping Tom Memorial Park, which is home to nearly three acres of native prairie and wetland habitat within Chinatown. Enjoy a blend of Chicago and China’s cultures, from the Ping Tom Portrait Bust to the Boathouse with glorious city views. 

For dining in the evening, enjoy out-of-this-world dumplings and Chinese dim sum at Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings, or seek out a pan-Asian experience at Joy Yee, where you’ll find dishes like Korean BBQ short ribs and Singapore-style noodles.

After a full day of exploring, you’ll be ready for a comfy place to unwind. If you’re hoping to stay near all of the Year of the Rabbit celebrations, book a room at Springhill Suites by Marriott Chicago Chinatown. In the nearby South Loop,  you can opt for Home2 Suites By Hilton Chicago McCormick Place, which offers a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the skyline and lake. Or perhaps you’d prefer a five-star experience on the Magnificent Mile, in which case The Peninsula is your ticket to luxury. It also just happened to be named one of the top five hotels in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

On your final day, savor one last meal in Chinatown. You can’t go wrong with brunch at MingHin Cuisine, an award-winning establishment where you can experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and Hong Kong cuisine in a friendly, modern space. This restaurant has been recognized by the famous Michelin Guide five times, so your taste buds are in for a treat. 

As your afternoon activity, squeeze in a few additional morsels of Chinese culture before calling it a trip. At the Field Museum, peruse the Cyrus Tang Hall of China exhibit, where you’ll see centuries-old stories come to life amid rare artifacts that shed light on what daily life was like in China hundreds of years ago.

Or check out the Art Institute of Chicago’s Asian collection, which encompasses nearly five millennia and all of the continent’s major artistic traditions. You’ll see examples of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, Chinese jades and ceramics, Japanese screens and prints, and Indian and Persian paintings. 

If you have time to make a trip to the North Side, be sure to pick up some locally made tofu from Illinois Made Maker Phoenix Bean Tofu. Located in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, Phoenix Bean creates several varieties of tofu, each with its own unique delicate taste and texture.

Events

If you’re in town for the new year, be sure to watch the Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebration. This year, the Chinese New Year falls on February 10, 2024, with the parade being held on Sunday, February 18, 2024.