Chicago Chinatown guide

M i n u t e s f r o m D o w n t o w n B Y C A B , C A R , B U S O R " E L " ( R E D L I N E ) T h i s b u s t l i n g n e i g h b o r h o o d i s e a s i l y a c c e s s i b l e b y c a b , c a r , o r p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n . A n i n e x p e n s i v e c a b r i d e f r o m t h e L o o p i s a b o u t f i v e m i n u t e s a n d c o s t s v e r y l i t t l e . P u b l i c t r a n s p o r t a t i o n : T h e # 2 1 C e r m a k b u s s t o p s a t t h e C h i n a t o w n e l e v a t e d s t a t i o n . F r o m d o w n t o w n , b u s # 2 4 ( s o u t h - b o u n d o n C l a r k ) , o r b u s # 6 2 ( s o u t h b o u n d o n S t a t e ) w i l l t a k e y o u r i g h t i n t o C h i n a t o w n a n d d r o p y o u a t t h e i n t e r s e c t i o n o f C e r m a k a n d W e n t w o r t h o r C e r m a k a n d A r c h e r . Y o u a l s o c a n r i d e C h i c a g o ' s e l e v a t e d " R e d L i n e " t r a i n f r o m t h e L o o p t o C h i n a t o w n . I t ’ s a n e x c e l - l e n t a l t e r n a t i v e t o d r i v i n g . T h e C e r m a k - C h i n a t o w n “ E l ” s t a t i o n i s j u s t a h a l f a b l o c k f r o m t h e e n t r a n c e t o C h i c a g o ' s C h i n a t o w n . R e d e c o r a t e d i n 2 0 0 2 , g r a p h i c p a n e l s f e a t u r i n g C h i n e s e - i n s p i r e d a r t w o r k d e c o r a t e m a n y o f t h e g l a s s w i n d o w p a n e l s . T h e s t a t i o n a l s o f e a t u r e s t w o t i l e m u r a l s w i t h " W e l c o m e t o C h i n a t o w n " w r i t t e n i n b o t h C h i n e s e a n d E n g l i s h . C u s t o m e r s u s i n g t h e s t a i r s o r e s c a l a t o r a r e g r e e t e d b y a p a i r o f l i o n s t a t u e s a t t h e e n t r a n c e s . C h i n e s e a r t w o r k i s o n d i s p l a y a t t h e p l a t f o r m l e v e l a n d c u s t o m e r s l e a v i n g t h e s t a t i o n s e e C h i n e s e m a s k s . T h e s e m a s k s a r e b a s e d o n c h a r a c t e r s f r o m C h i n e s e o p e r a a n d t h e a t r i c a l p r o d u c t i o n s . W h e n t r a v e l i n g b y c a r , y o u w i l l f i n d t h a t f o u r m a j o r e x p r e s s w a y s l e a d t o C h i n a t o w n . F r o m t h e N o r t h , t a k e t h e K e n n e d y E x p r e s s w a y ( I - 9 0 / 9 4 ) a n d e x i t a t 1 8 t h S t r e e t . Tu r n l e f t ( e a s t ) o n 1 8 t h t o C a n a l S t r e e t , t h e n t u r n r i g h t ( s o u t h ) t o C e r m a k R o a d , t r a v e l a f e w b l o c k s t o t h e C h i n a t o w n G a t e . F r o m t h e W e s t , t a k e t h e E i s e n h o w e r E x p r e s s w a y ( I - 2 9 0 ) t o I - 9 0 / 9 4 e a s t t o 1 8 t h S t r e e t a n d t u r n l e f t ( e a s t ) t o C a n a l S t r e e t , t h e n r i g h t ( s o u t h ) t o C e r m a k R d . T h e C h i n a t o w n G a t e i s a j u s t a f e w b l o c k s a h e a d . F r o m t h e S o u t h , t a k e t h e D a n R y a n E x p r e s s w a y ( I - 9 0 / 9 4 ) t o t h e 2 2 n d S t r e e t e x i t . T h e C h i n a t o w n G a t e i s j u s t a b l o c k w e s t . F r o m t h e S o u t h w e s t , t a k e t h e S t e v e n s o n E x p r e s s w a y ( I - 5 5 ) t o t h e C e r m a k R o a d e x i t . Tu r n w e s t ( l e f t ) o n C e r m a k t o t h e C h i n a t o w n G a t e . F r o m t h e E a s t , t a k e L a k e S h o r e D r i v e t o I - 5 5 s o u t h , e x i t i n g a t S t a t e S t . l e f t ( s o u t h ) o n S t a t e , r i g h t ( w e s t ) o n 2 6 t h , t h e n r i g h t ( n o r t h ) o n W e n t w o r t h . P a r k i n g i s a b u n d a n t a n d c o n v e n i e n t . C o m m u n i t y l o t s l o c a t e d o n t h e n o r t h w e s t c o r n e r o f C e r m a k a n d W e n t w o r t h a n d a n o t h e r l o t a t A r c h e r a n d W e n t w o r t h w e l c o m e a l l v i s i t o r s . M o s t r e s t a u r a n t s a n d s h o p s w i l l v a l i d a t e y o u r t i c k e t . O ak W al to n D el aw ar e C he st nu t Pe ar so n C hi ca go Be lle vu e C ed ar El m D iv isi on H ill O ak W al to n Lo cu st C he st nu t In st itu te P l L a r r a b e e H u d s o n S e d g w i c k M i e s v a n d e r R o h e D e w i t t R an do lp h R an do lp h H ur on Er ie O nt ar io O hi o G ra nd Ill in oi s H ub ba rd Ki nz ie O r l e a n s F r a n k l i n W e l l s L a s a l l e C l a r k D e a r b o r n S t a t e W a b a s h M i c h i g a n R u s h S t C l a i r F a i r b a n k s M c C l u r g Su pe rio r W ac ke r La ke W as hi ng to n M ad iso n M on ro e A da m s Ja ck so n Va n Bu re n H ar ris on C on gr es s Po lk Ba lb o 8t h W a c k e r F r a n k l i n W e l l s L a S a l l e C l a r k D e a r b o r n S t a t e W a b a s h M i c h i g a n C o l u m b u s S t e t s o n B e a u b i e n So ut h W at er 9t h 11 th 13 th 14 th 14 th 14 th 14 th P l R oo se ve lt Po lk M ad iso n M on ro e A da m s Ja ck so n Va n Bu re n H ar ris on La ke W as hi ng to n Fu lto n P e o r i a G r e e n H a l s t e d D e s p l a i n e s J e f f e r s o n C l i n t o n C a n a l G r e e n H a l s t e d G ra nd H ub ba rd Ki nz ie N e w 16 th 17 th 18 th C ul le rt on 21 st C er m ak 23 rd 24 th 22 nd P l A le xa nd er 23 rd 23 rd P l 24 th 24 th P l Archer Grove Lumber C analportT ay lo r R oo se ve lt 14 th P l 14 th Li be rt y M ax w el l 13 th O ’B rie n 12 th P l W e l l s L a S a l l e C l a r k D e a r b o r n S t a t e W a b a s h M i c h i g a n F i n a n c i a l F e d e r a l P l y m o u t h P r a i r i e C a l u m e t I n d i a n a M i c h i g a n W a b a s h S t a t e Cot tage Gr ove K i n g D r W e n t w o r t h P r i n c e t o n J e f f e r s o n C a n a l 16 th 17 th 17 th P l 19 th 19 th P l 19 th P a r k T e r r M cF et rid ge W al dr on So lid ar ity L a k e S h o r e D r i v e C hina Pl th B ra nc hHo oke r P e o r i a 27 th L o w e W a l l a c e P a r n e l l l N o r m a l l C a n a l S t e w a r t S h i e l d s P r i n c e t o n W e l l s o rW e n t w t h L a S a l l e S t a t e W a b a s h M i c h i g a n V e r n o n Cotta ge Gr ove Lake Park 26 th 28 th 29 th 28 th 28 th P l 29 th 30 th D a n R y a n E x p w y 9 0 9 4 2 9 0 K e n n e d y E x p w y Lake Shore Drive 4 1 5 5 S te ve n so n E xp w y 18 th B U S P A R K I N G BU S PARKIN G U n i o n E m e r a l d Jo hn H an co ck Ce nt er S T R E E T E R V I L L E N av y Pi er N or th W es te rn St at io n U ni on St at io n Ra nd ol ph S t St at io n Ci ty H all / Co un ty B ld g St at e of Ill in oi s Ce nt er Fi el d M us eu m of N at ur al H ist or y Se ar s To we r Ch ica go Bo ar d of Tr ad e Ar t I ns tit ut e of C hi ca go Bu ck in gh am Fo un ta in Pe tr illo Ba nd sh el l S O U T H L O O P C H I N A T O W N Sh ed d Aq ua riu m Ad le r Pl an at ar iu m So ld ie r Fi el d M cC or m ick Pl ac e So ut h L A K E M I C H I G A N South Branch of th e Chicago River W rig ley Bl dg Da ley Ce nt er G R A N T P A R K O L I V E P A R K C h i n a t o w n S q u a r e C h i n a t o w n R a p i d T r a n s i t S t a t i o n ( C T A R e d L i n e ) a n d b u s s t o p C h i n a t o w n G a t e r U S C e l l u l a r F i e l d P a r k i n g d i s c o u n t w i t h v a l i d a t i o n N O R T H S O U T H E A S T W E S T M cC or m ick Pl ac e N or th Be st W es te rn Gr an t P ar k W hit eh all Ho te l Ch ica go Hi lto n Hy att Re ge nc y Ch ica go M u s e u m o f S c i e n c e a n d I n d u s t r y Co ng re ss Pla za Es se x Inn O N E - H A L F M I L E 5 0 0 M E T E R S P r a i r i e A v e n u e H i s t o r i c D i s t r i c t 1 1 t h S t r e e t B e a c h M u s e u m C a m p u s Na tio na l V iet na m Ve te ra ns M us eu m Chinatown Hotel P R I N T E R S R O W Li br ar y M ille nn iu m P ar k Tr ibu ne To we r Fre ed om M use um P a r k i n g d i s c o u n t w i t h v a l i d a t i o n C h i n a t o w n i s m i n u t e s f r o m d o w n t o w n , S o l d i e r F i e l d , M c C o r m i c k P l a c e , a n d m o s t c i t y a t t r a c t i o n s . B y B u s : T h e # 2 1 C e r m a k b u s s t a r t s a t K i n g D r i v e , j u s t w e s t o f M c C o r m i c k P l a c e , a n d s t o p s a t t h e C e r m a k - C h i n a t o w n L s t o p . F r o m d o w n t o w n , b u s e s # 2 4 ( s o u t h b o u n d o n C l a r k ) , o r # 6 2 ( s o u t h b o u n d o n S t a t e ) d r o p y o u r i g h t a t C e r m a k & W e n t w o r t h o r C e r m a k & A r c h e r . B y L : A l l R e d L i n e ( D a n R y a n ) e l e v a t e d t r a i n s s t o p a t t h e C e r m a k - C h i n a t o w n s t a t i o n , n e a r C e r m a k a n d W e n t w o r t h . B y C a b : A c a b f r o m t h e L o o p t a k e s a b o u t f i v e m i n u t e s a n d c o s t s v e r y l i t t l e . B y C a r : F r o m t h e n o r t h : Ta k e t h e K e n n e d y E x p w y . ( I - 9 0 / 9 4 ) a n d e x i t a t 1 8 t h S t . T u r n l e f t ( e a s t ) t o C a n a l S t . , t h e n r i g h t ( s o u t h ) t o C e r m a k R d . T h e C h i n a t o w n G a t e i s j u s t a f e w b l o c k s t o t h e l e f t ( e a s t ) . F r o m t h e w e s t : Ta k e t h e E i s e n h o w e r E x p w y . ( I - 2 9 0 ) t o I - 9 0 / 9 4 e a s t t o 1 8 t h S t . a n d f o l l o w d i r e c t i o n s a b o v e . F r o m t h e s o u t h : Ta k e t h e D a n R y a n E x p w y . ( I - 9 0 / 9 4 ) t o 2 2 n d S t . e x i t . T h e C h i n a t o w n G a t e i s j u s t t o t h e l e f t ( w e s t ) . F r o m t h e s o u t h w e s t : Ta k e t h e S t e v e n s o n E x p w y . ( I - 5 5 ) t o C e r m a k R d . e x i t . T h e C h i n a t o w n G a t e i s j u s t t o t h e l e f t ( w e s t ) . F r o m t h e e a s t : Ta k e L a k e S h o r e D r i v e t o I - 5 5 s o u t h , e x i t i n g a t S t a t e S t . L e f t ( s o u t h ) o n S t a t e , r i g h t ( w e s t ) o n 2 6 t h , r i g h t ( n o r t h ) o n W e n t w o r t h . C hi na to w n C ha m be r of C om m er ce 21 69 B S . C hi na P la ce C hi ca go , I L 60 61 6 w w w .c hi ca go ch in at ow n. or g V ibrant,Unique Chinatown A Premier Cultural and Culinary Treasure Welcome to one of Chicago’s most exciting and growing neighborhoods. Founded at the turn of the century, Chinatown today is nestled next to the ever-expanding McCormick Convention complex and minutes from the shadow of Navy Pier, Sears Tower and downtown. Here you will find a rich harmonious blend of heritage, culture, people, business and activities combined with the excitement and growth of a contemporary Chicago. The Chinatown Gate Conceived by civic promoter George Cheung and designed by architect Peter Fung, the dramatic Chinatown Gate landmark at Cermak and Wentworth, was based on a wall in Beijing and installed in 1975. As you gaze up at the hand painted ornamental tiles, four large characters translate “The world belongs to the commonwealth”. It was a famous saying in the early part of the last century and reflects the drive, determination and spirit of the Chinese people. Nine Dragon Wall Dragons are sacred and are believed to have magical powers just like the number nine. Walk across the street from the Chinatown Gate to experience the power of The Nine Dragon Wall. Modeled after the most sophisticated wall in BeiHai (North Sea) 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. Nine Dragon Wall, a Chinatown landmark is beautifully decorated with nine dragon sculptures. Right: The namesake of the Sun-Yet Sen Park For more information on Chinatown,its annual events and group tours,call the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce at 312-326-5320 or visit www.chicagochinatown.org. The Pui Tak CenterBuilding Discovering Chinatown means learning a bit of history. The Pui Tak Center on Wentworth anchors the bustling commercial district. Built in the 1920s, the architecture showcases traditional Chinese design. Imposing green and red pagoda towers topped with walls of terra cotta flowers and mother lions truly represent the majestic traditions of China. Inside, the reception hall represented the one and only indigenous Chinese shrine in the Midwest. Originally constructed as the On Leong Association Building, it now houses a social service agency. In 1993, this historical landmark became the Pui Tak Center (Pui tak means to cultivate and enhance virtues). C h i n a t o w n F a s t F a c t s ◆ C h i c a g o ’ s C h i n a t o w n i s t h e l a r g e s t i n t h e M i d w e s t w i t h o v e r 8 0 0 0 r e s i d e n t s l i v i n g w i t h i n a t e n b l o c k c o m m e r c i a l a n d r e s i d e n t i a l a r e a . ◆ A p p r o x i m a t e l y 3 . 4 p e r c e n t o f p e o p l e i n I l l i n o i s a r e A s i a n ( 4 2 4 , 0 0 0 ) . ◆ C h i n a t o w n i s c o m p r i s e d o f 5 8 r e s t a u r a n t s , 4 9 g r o c e r i e s , 2 1 b a k e r i e s , o v e r 2 5 h e r b a l s t o r e s o r a p o t h e c a r i e s , a n d 8 b a n k s . ◆ T h e m o s t p e r v a s i v e C h i n e s e d i a l e c t i s C a n t o n e s e , f o l l o w e d b y T o i s h a n e s e a n d M a n d a r i n . ◆ T h r e e s c h o o l s , t w o c h u r c h e s , a m u s e u m , a l i b r a r y a n d a p o s t o f f i c e e x i s t . ◆ T h e m a r b l e l i o n s y o u s e e i n f r o n t o f b u i l d i n g s , c h u r c h e s o r h o m e s i s a C h i n e s e t r a d i t i o n . A l w a y s p u t i n p a i r s , t h e s e g u a r d i a n a n i m a l s a r e s a i d t o p r o t e c t t h e i r m a s t e r s f r o m e v i l s p i r i t s . ◆ T h e c o l o r r e d s y m b o l i z e s l u c k a n d t h e c o l o r g r e e n s y m b o l i z e s w e a l t h . ◆ D r a g o n s – d r a g o n s a r e t h e t o t e m s o f t h e a n c i e n t C h i n e s e e m p e r o r s w h o b e l i e v e d t h e y w e r e d r a g o n s i n h u m a n f o r m a n d t o o k g r e a t p r i d e i n b e i n g d e s c e n d a n t s . Well Worth the Visit Walk to the elaborate and dignified mission on Alexander St. where two dragon statues guard the entrance to the St Therese Chinese Catholic Church.Inside chandeliers hang from the ceiling and Chinese characters grace the altar where masses are conducted in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Indonesian. The Buddhist Templeon Wentworth is the perfect place to meditate. A variety of statues including the 1000 arm Guan Yin Bodhisattiva reside in this unimposing storefront. Hidden gems of architectural beauty can be found on many of the commercial and residential buildings of Chinatown. Catch a glimpse of the beautiful historical mural at the Haines School on 23rd Place or visit the Chinese Christian Union Churchon Wentworth. Sun-Yet Sen Park on the 24th Place is a pleasant shady spot popular with the locals. Chinese American Veterans Memorialat the corner of Cermak and Archer. Dedicated in 2005, it pays tribute to all those in the community who served in the armed services. T a k e a T o u r L e a r n m o r e a b o u t t h e a r c h i t e c t u r e , h i s t o r y a n d c u l t u r e o f C h i n a t o w n o n a o n e h o u r w a l k i n g t o u r s p o n s o r e d b y t h e C h i n a t o w n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e . A h a l f h o u r b u s t o u r i s a l s o a v a i l a b l e . G r o u p s o f t e n o r m o r e . C a l l t h e C h a m b e r f o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n . 3 1 2 / 3 2 6 - 5 3 2 0 o r v i s i t w w w . c h i c a g o c h i n a t o w n . o r g . F U N H A R M O N YH A P P I N E S S H I S T O R Y W I S D O M 6/07M250 W E L C O M E I n C h i n a t o w n S q u a r e : T h e C h i n a t o w n M u r a l , w i t h h a n d p a i n t e d t i l e s d e p i c t i n g t h e h i s t o r y o f t h e C h i n e s e c o m i n g t o A m e r i c a i s a p e r f e c t p h o t o b a c k d r o p . C hi na to w n S qu ar e P ho to s an d In te rio r S to re P ho to s: T ra ci e Fe re nc e D es ig n an d P ro je ct M an ag em en t: M er id ia n G ra ph ic s In c. C hi ca go 3 12 -9 51 -1 17 1 T h e C h i n a t o w n V i s i t o r s G u i d e b r o c h u r e w a s m a d e p o s s i b l e i n c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h t h e I l l i n o i s D e p a r t m e n t o f C o m m e r c e a n d E c o n o m i c O p p o r t u n i t y / B u r e a u o f To u r i s m . RESTAURANTS Three Happiness Restaurant 209 W. Cermak Rd. 312 842-1964 Cantonesia, Inc. 204 W. Cermak Rd.. 312 225-0100 China Cafe 2300 S. Wentworth Ave. 312 808-0202 Connie's Pizza 2373 S. Archer Ave. 312 326-3443 Double Li Chinese Restaurant 228 W. Cermak Rd 312 842-7818 Dragon Court 2414 S. Wentworth Ave. 312 791-1882 Dragon King Restaurant 2138 S. Archer Ave. 312 881-0168 Emperor's Choice 2238 S. Wentworth Ave. 312 225-8800 Evergreen Restaurant 2411 S. Wentworth Ave. 312 225-8898 Furama Restaurant 2828 S. Wentworth Ave. 312 225-6888 Golden Bull Restaurant 242 W. Cermak Rd. 312 808-1668 Great Wall Restaurant 2127 S. China Pl. 312 808-9686 House of Fortune Restaurant 2407 S. Wentworth Ave. 312 225-0880 ICHiBAN 212 W. 23rd Street 312-791-1111 Kam Fung Restaurant 216 W. 22nd Place 312 949-9828 Ken Kee Restaurant 2129A S. China Place 312 326-2088 King Wah Catering 2223 S. Wentworth Ave. 312 842-1404 KS Seafood 2163 S. China Pl 312 842-1238 Lao Sze Chuan 2172 S. Archer Ave. 312 326-5040 Lee Wing Wah Restaurant 2147B S. China Place 312 808-1628 Lobster King Cermak 22nd Pl 23rd 23rd Pl 24th 24th Pl 25th Pl Arc her (b us par kin g) Alexander Ch ina Pl W en tw or th Pr in ce to n St ew ar t CT A D an R ya n (R ed ) lin e Stevenson Expwy55 C la rk 2 0 0 F E E T 1 0 0 M E T E R S P Parking discount with validation bus parking Loop 1.5 miles McCormick Place 3/4 mile US Cellular Field 1/2 mile IIT 1/2 mile C H I N A S Q U Cermak- Chinatown Station A R E T O PING TOM MEMORIAL PARK Ch ine se Am eri can Ve ter an s Me mo ria l ParkingParking Dr. Sun Ya t-Se n P ark Pan -As ian Cu ltur al Ce nte rCh ine se Am eri can Ser vic e L eag ue Ch ina tow n Ch am ber of Co mm erc e Nin e D rag on W all Fir e De par tm ent Ch ine se Co mm uni ty Ce nte r (C CB A) St Th ere se Ch urc h Bu ddi st Te mp le Ch ine se Am eri can Mu seu m St Th ere se Sch oo l Ch ine se Ch rist ian Un ion Ch urc h Po st O ffic e Ch ica go Pub lic Lib rar y Pui Ta k C ent er (O n L eo ng Bld g.) Ha ine s Sch oo l W est Ga te Chinatown Gate ATM ATM ATM ATM ATMATM ATM ATM ATM ATM ATM ATM P W NT O Ch ina tow n M ura