Chicago Chinatown Cultural History Walking Tour

Discover the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown with your authentic history and culture tours, exclusively offered by the official Chinatown Visitor Center. Led by experienced local guides, your tours dives deep into the neighborhood’s rich heritage, hidden landmarks, and cultural traditions. Unlike generic tours, we bring you behind the scenes with insider stories, community connections, and exclusive access to local favorites. Experience Chinatown through the eyes of those who know it best.

Meeting Point

2189 S Wentworth Ave

2189 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

meet at Chicago Chinatown Visitor Center, right across the street of Chicago Chiantown Public Library entrance. You'll see the Chinatown Visitor Center signs and offices once you are getting close.

What's included:

• Souvenir gift from Chicago Chinatown Visitor Center
• Discount for our future tours and workshops
• English Speaking tour guide

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Chinatown Square

2133 S China Pl, , Chicago, 60616-1536, Illinois

Mural and 12 Zodiac animals statues; Walking through the Plaza, passing Joy Yee, General Merchandise shops, many restaurants, ice cream parlors, and historic St. Anne’s Bakery

20 minutes

Chicago Chinatown

Chicago, 60616-1916, Illinois

crosse Archer, then Cermak Rd – “named for a former Chicago Mayor killed in an assassination attempt on a U.S. President!” – and walk east hearing about how Old Chinatown developed.
At corner of Wentworth, take pictures beneath Chinatown’s Welcome Gate, and an alley that has “started” in the Chicago PD TV Show.
Next stop is the historic Pui-Tak Center

Continue walking south, take photos in front of the historic Won Kow building “used in many TV shows and movies, and a favorite hangout of legendary Chicago gangster Al Capone, etc.” Cool recessed balcony atop Emperor’s Choice restaurant, and the beautiful TerraCotta decorative tiles on that building, as on the Pui-Tak Center and many others throughout Chinatown . Stop at the oldest Chinese Bakery Storein Chinatown-Chiu Quon.

30 minutes

Pui Tak Center

2216 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

Next stop is a few minutes talking about historic Pui-Tak Center and the importance of Merchant Associations in any developing Chinese communities

Pass by without stopping

Chinese-American Museum of Chicago

238 W 23rd St, Chicago, 60616-1904, Illinois

discover the unique local Chinese American history through showcasing and celebrating current Chinese American art, culture, and innovation.

30 minutes

Nine Dragon Wall

158 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, 60616, Illinois

This particular wall is made of glazed tile from China and is modeled after the wall in Beihai Park in Beijing. The Chinatown mural replicates the large dragons and over 500 smaller dragons painted in red, gold and blue signifying the Chinese focus on good fortune. The Nine Dragon Wall is one of the only three such replicas outside of China.

5 minutes

Ping Tom Memorial Park

300 W. 19th St., Chicago, 60616, Illinois

beautiful Ping Tom Park has walking trails along the South Branch of the Chicago River with wonderful views of Chicago's skyline and historic bridges. Some of the amenities include: Pagoda Pavillion, Water Taxi to Ogilvie Metra Station and Michigan Avenue operated by Wendalla
, Children's playground and beautiful Chinese Murals under 18th Street Bridge

30 minutes