2-Hour Chicago's Chinatown History and Culture Tour
Description
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. A minimum of 2 participants is required for this experience. If the minimum is not met, the tour may be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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
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.
Next stop is a few minutes talking about historic Pui-Tak Center and the importance of Merchant Associations in any developing Chinese communities
discover the unique local Chinese American history through showcasing and celebrating current Chinese American art, culture, and innovation.
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.
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
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5)
We ladies learned so much from our guide and the places she showed us in Chinatown. She offered many suggestions and went with our preferences, and had great knowledge depth.
Tour described as historical but not much content. Guide didn’t know the history. Read it ourselves in the museum but even that didn’t have much to offer those wanting to learn about Chinese settlement in Midwest. Would like some money refunded.
It is a wonderful way to explore with some engaging and fascinating stories about Chinatown. This is full of history, architecture, and traditions. However, it felt a bit rushed at times. Might be the time limit. I personally felt to spend more time exploring around. But if you are in a planned itinerary, this is good.
Very superficial walk through the town. Not much info about the lives of the people or how it was started.
Thank you for joining our Chinatown History and Culture Tour and for sharing your thoughts. Our guides always strive to share rich stories about the community’s history, culture, and people. We’re sorry to hear that the experience didn’t meet your expectations this time. We appreciate your feedback and will continue to do our best to make each tour informative and enjoyable for all our guests.
We had a good time on our tour to Chinatown. Our tour guide Jennifer was born to be a guide. Very friendly and knowledgeable. We got to see the highlights and learn a lot. We plan to go back to check out the recommendations that she gave us. Highly recommend.
