2-Hour Chicago's Chinatown History and Culture Tour

3.8 (5 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

5 reviews

3.8

2-Hour Chicago's Chinatown History and Culture Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

2-Hour Chicago's Chinatown History and Culture Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours New Product Weather Dependent - Low Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Chinatown Visitor Center

Ages: Children (1–5 years) · Youth (6–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Gratuities: $6-10 per person (or more) suggested guide gratuity. (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal)

Itinerary

Chinatown Square

20 min

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
Chicago Chinatown

30 min

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.
Stop 3

Passing by

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

30 min

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

5 min

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.
Ping Tom Memorial Park

30 min

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

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

follow your tour guide back to Chinatown square plaza for foods and drinks or enjoy your relaxed time at the Ping Tom Memorial Park where you can also take the Chicago Water Taxi to downtown Michigan Ave.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.