CHINATOWN

Chinatown is probably the most authentic ethnic neighborhood is Chicago. It is located relatively close to downtown and easily accessed by public transportation.  Its boundaries are loosely defined as 18th Street on the north, Clark Street on the East, Interstate 55 on the south and the south branch of the river on the west. But the heart of Chinatown is Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road. There is so much to see as you explore this neighborhood. It should be on your “To Do List” while you are in Chicago.

These maps are conveniently located throughout the neighborhood so you can easily find the special sites along the way.

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From downtown take the Red Line toward 95th Street and get off at the Cermak station. Walk less than 1 block west and you have arrived. At Cermak and Wentworth you will find one of the maps and 3 interesting structures. The first is the Nine Dragon Wall. It is a replica of the original located in Bai Hai Park northwest of the Forbidden City in Beijing. It’s name comes from the 9 sculptured dragons featured on the wall, but see how many of the 500 smaller dragons you can find. In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes protection, fortune and is a powerful emblem of imperial power.

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Just beyond the Nine Dragon Wall is the Chinatown Pavilion. This is a classic-style Chinese structure. It serves as the entrance to Chinatown Square shops to the north and Wentworth street shops to the south.

Across Cermak Street and spanning Wentworth Avenue is the Chinatown Gate. The Chinese symbols read “Everthing Under the Heaven, For the People” This is also the location of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration each year and each October runners in the Chicago Marathon run under this gate.

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Along or near Wentorth Avenue you will find Chinese American Museum of Chicago at 238 23rd Street It is located in a former Chinese store and warehouse built in 1896. You will also find:
 
-Chinese Christian Union Church 2301 S Wentworth Avenue  
-Allen Lee Square at Wentworth Avenue and 23rd Street
- Buddhist Temple 2249 South Wentworth Avenue
-The Family Association Building  2238 South Wentworth Avenue
-The Chinese Community Center and Confucius Statue 250 W 22nd Place
-St. Therese Chinese Catholic School 247 W 23rd Street and
-Pui Tak Center is a social service agency located 2216 West Wentworth Avenue the former home of the On Leong Merchants Association.

And last but not least, the Sun Yat-sen Park at Princeton Ave and 24th Street is dedicated to the founding father of the modern Chinese Republic. The Sun Yat-sen Museum can be found on the 2nd floor of the building at 2445 South Wentworth Avenue and admission is FREE.

You should also spend some time in Chinatown Square 2133 South China Place. This 2-story, outdoor shopping mall houses numerous shops and restaurants and is home to the Pan Asian Cultural Center. It is not only for tourists; you will find locals shop and eat here.
 

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In the square look for the statues of the 12 animals representing the Chinese zodiac. Also there is a 320 square foot mural depicting the story of Chinese immigrants to the United States. It is made of 1000,000 individually cut and hand-painted glass tiles.

The Chinese Veterans Memorial stands at the intersection of Princeton Avenue, Cermak Road and Archer Avenue. Dragon Columns stand at the end of major streets in Chinatown.

Along the Chicago River is the Ping Tom Memorial Park. The architecture within this 12 acre green space is inspired by Chinese architecture and a place you will often see residents practicing yoga, tai chi and quigong. Each July this is the site of the annual Dragon Boat Race Festival.

 
While it’s not free, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago is a bargain at $5 for adults and $3 for children.  It traces the history of Chinese Americans in the Midwest and holds priceless and historical artifacts.
 
I’ve already mention the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration held at the end of January or early February and the Chinese Dragon Boat races held every July. Other annual events in Chinatown include the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May and the Chinatown Summer Fair in July. These special events shouldn't be missed, but any time is a great time to visit Chinatown!

BONUS

Here's a link to some of the events going on this weekend (May 20,- 22, 2016) http://www.redeyechicago.com/restaurants-bars/redeye-chicago-festivals-this-weekend-may-20-21-22-20160518-story.html


All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites for the most up-to-date information. 
 
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Until then I hope to see you in Chicago!