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Chinatown - Chicago Hotels .com

Chinatown - A dancer at the Chinese New Year Festival Parade

To experience the Far Eastern charm in the Midwest go over to Chinatown, where you will find a wide choice of eateries, bakeries and restaurants that serve various styles of Chinese cuisine. The town is speckled with small shops that carry books and gifts. A good time to visit is around the Chinese New Year when the mood is festive and the streets are adorned in Chinese décor.

Visit Chinatown Square, and see the sculptures of animals in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinatown Mural is a famous mural that depicts the history of Chinese immigrants in United States. Most people head out to Wentworth Avenue for shopping and various dining options.
 
If you want to look into the history of Chinese people in Chicago stop by the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago. If you are somewhere near the Chicago River, go down to the 19th Street and the South Branch of the Chicago River to visit the 12-acre Ping Tom Memorial Park. The park is designed as a traditional Chinese-style garden, complete with moon shaped walls, stone floors and beautiful reflective ponds. It is owned and operated by the Chicago Park District. Here you can get a closer look at Chinese aesthetics. In summer, the park keeps really busy and the Dragon Boat Race, a popular event, also draws a lot of visitors.

On Wentworth and 23rd, you can relax with reading or carry on your research work at the Chinatown Branch Library. Those in an extreme state of hunger can stop by Laoszechuan (312-326-5040), located on 2172 S. Archer Ave., known for its generous portions. The place serves Szechwan-style specialty Chinese cuisine. Phoenix (312-328-0848), at 2131 S Archer Ave., is another excellent Chinese restaurant in the area.

Nearest hotel to Chinatown is Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. The Hyatt has a complimentary business center and is connected to the McCormick Place via skybridge.