Getting to Chinatown
Starting from Downtown Chicago (Millennium Park / The Loop area)
Train
Take the CTA Red Line to Cermak–Chinatown Station
10–15 mins
There are two exits from the station:
- One leads directly to the Nine Dragon Wall
- The other opens into Chinatown Square
Bus
CTA buses provide easy access to different parts of Chinatown.
15–25 mins
Recommended stops:
- Cermak Rd & Wentworth Ave (#21, #24)
→ Steps away from the Chinatown Gate and main entrance - Wentworth Ave & 22nd St (#24)
→ Near Chinatown Square and the Nine Dragon Wall - Archer Ave & Wentworth Ave (#62)
→ Close to parking lots, shops, and restaurants
Boat
Take the Chicago Water Taxi to Ping Tom Memorial Park 25–30 mins
After getting off, you’ll arrive right by the Ping Tom Park pavilion.
From there, walk through the nearby residential area and you’ll reach Chinatown Square in just a few minutes.
Drive
Driving is one of the easiest ways to get to Chinatown ~10 mins
There are two main parking lots (North & South) available.
Some businesses offer parking validation, so be sure to ask when you visit.
Walk
Enjoy a scenic walk from Downtown Chicago 30–40 mins
Best on a nice day, this walk lets you experience the city’s transition from the busy downtown to the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood.
Looking for a restroom in Chinatown? Here are a few options:
Free options
- HeungSeng Square: restroom on the 2nd floor
- Chinatown Library: public restroom available during open hours
Customer-only options
- Some restaurants may allow restroom use after you dine in or make a purchase
- At Starbucks and Tous les Jours, the restroom code may be printed on your receipt after ordering
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Chinatown
Website: Book / View Hotel
Contact: (312) 766-9668
Address: 2357 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
A modern all-suite hotel located in the heart of Chinatown, just steps from Wentworth Avenue and major attractions, offering a comfortable and convenient stay for both leisure and business travelers.
Jaslin Hotel
Website: View Hotel Contact: (312) 566-4777 Address: 261 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
Located in the heart of Chinatown on Cermak Road, just steps from restaurants, shops, and public transit, and about a 4-minute walk to the Red Line station.
Itinerary at a galance
Route 1: River + Full Experience
Wendella Boat → Ping Tom Park → Chinatown Square → Library → Visitor Center → Chinatown Gate → Pui Tak Center → Summer Fair → Buddhist Temple
Duration: 3-5 hours
Best for: First-time visitors, full sightseeing & cultural experience
Route 2: CTA Easy Access (Red Line)
Red Line (Cermak Chinatown) → Visitor Center → Explore North / South
North Route Highlights
Chinatown Square · Ping Tom Park · Chinatown streets · Summer Fair
South Route Highlights
Chinatown Gate · Pui Tak Center · Summer Fair · Buddhist Temple
Best for: Quick visit or event-focused experience
Ping Tom Park
First stop after getting off the boat and a gateway into Chinatown, featuring an iconic pavilion with skyline views that’s perfect for photos, Hanfu shoots, and riverfront moments, and also home to Chicago’s Dragon Boat races with a lively atmosphere.
Chinatown Square
Surrounded by restaurants, bakeries, and shops, it’s a great place to eat, explore, and experience local culture, and features the Chinese Zodiac statues, a popular photo spot.
2026 Asian Buddhist Heritage Celebration
A special summer cultural event centered on sacred Buddhist relics, featuring blessing ceremonies and traditional rituals where visitors can participate in prayer and receive blessings.
Chinatown Branch, Chicago Public Library
HeungSeng Square
Chinatown Parking Lots (North & South)
Chinatown’s main North and South parking lots are conveniently located near the library and HeungSeng Square. With license plate recognition for easy entry and exit, and validation available at select businesses, they are an ideal starting point for exploring Chinatown on foot.
Chinatown Visitor Center
The central hub for visitors and a key starting point for exploring Chinatown, featuring paddle cab rides, the Asian Buddhist Heritage Celebration, the Nine Dragon Wall, and great spots for Hanfu photos and cultural experiences.
Nine Dragon Wall
A vibrant cultural landmark featuring detailed dragon carvings, symbolizing power and good fortune, and a popular photo spot that reflects traditional Chinese artistry.
Chinatown Gate
The iconic entrance to Chinatown featuring traditional Chinese architecture, marking the start of Wentworth Street and leading into the lively Summer Fair area, and a great photo spot with the Chicago skyline in the background.
IBFA 正覺寺
A peaceful Buddhist temple and partner site of the relic exhibition, offering a space for reflection, prayer, and experiencing traditional Buddhist culture.
“You Are Beautiful” Sign & Wall Murals
Chinatown Summer Fair
Chinese American Museum of Chicago
Sun Yat-sen Park
Chiu Quon Bakery
WHAT IS HAPPENING ...
AAPI Heritage Month
- 11:00 am
2026 Dragon Boat Race
- 9:00 am
2026 Asian Buddhist Heritage Celebration
- 9:30 am
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM and Sunday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
2026 Summer Fair
- 11:00 am
Saturday will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m
Friendly Reminder!
Let’s keep Chinatown clean and welcoming for everyone!
You’ll find plenty of trash bins 
around the neighborhood，please use them and help keep the streets beautiful
We also host Chinatown Monthly Clean-Up Days once or twice each month. Visitors and community members are always welcome to join and be part of keeping Chinatown vibrant and clean.
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