So much to do and see! It's a smaller area, but don't let that fool you. There are tons of food spots, a variety of shops for souvenirs or unique finds, and fun pop-in stores with activities and more. As we waited for our table at Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings, we decided to walk around outside and by chance we literally stumbled upon an old-school car show. So..naturally, we joined the crowd and suddenly found ourselves weaving between classic exotic cars in the middle of Chinatown. See pictures for an old chevy with a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling in the backseat. Yup, you read that right. A lot of parking around the area and super easy to get to by train if needed. read more

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We made our way on the Red Line to within a two-min walk to Chinatown Square, a two-story open-air mall of shops and restaurants with an open plaza. The gateways and storefronts and courtyard have beautiful ornate Imperial-based designs. On the plaza, you'll find some classic lions and a wonderful set of sculptures from Xiamen representing the Chinese Zodiac. We've been to several good restaurants here, and a nice candy shop, too. Oh, one more thing. Those are not $100 bills scattered here and there. It's very eye-catching advertising! Haha! But I'll take off one star, sorry, because of a lack of restful seating. One of us had some back pain the day we visited, (Nov 2025), and though there were a few low square individual seats scattered around, there were no benches or chairs that we could find with any kind of arms or backs that one could lean on to make it easier to get up again. read more

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A unique area to come and spend the day. Walk around and shop at local shops, bakeries, candy shop,bubble tea shops and souvenir shops. There are a variety of food cuisine places to eat. The atmosphere is nice and enjoyable. A nice place to come eat and shop. read more

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We got here around 2 on a Thursday afternoon. There is a designated parking lot with a mostly seamless online payment process. You have to get validation from a business to get the advertised low rate. Walkable streets and was semi-crowded. You have a good mix of traditional restaurants, bakeries, shops including souvenir stores. We picked up some baked goods from Chi Quon and some tea from Oriental Tea (has a restroom) We had a challenge finding a restroom as a few places didn't have public restrooms and the ones that did required a purchase. Service was okay for the two stops we made. Didn't have a chance to get lunch-next time. Overall, worth the stop to explore and for the food/shopping. read more

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Chinatown Chicago, so beautiful and wonderful place to visit and do business with ! So many beautiful arches, entrances, and beautiful gates. The animal statues are around the circle. Beautiful look out tower in the center. Such a vibrant and historical place. So special for everyone to enjoy and visit- but be respectful please! Karaoke lounges, hotels, banks, schools, plenty of homes, wonderful shopping for ant souvenir, cell phone, clothes, homeware, wonderful restaurants and Boba tea shops and dessert houses. Right off on the Chinatown exit of the Red Line read more

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Many restaurants and experiences and a fun way to spend an afternoon. Enjoyed taking pictures in the Square as well.

Chinatown Square is a fun place to spend the day, have some great food and walk around. Walk along a bit and be sure to look at the ground to read about what sign you are; rabbit, snake, monkey etc... It featured a lot of cultural places to visit alongside museums, Chinese architecture and sculptures. On weekends during good weather there are many people selling things alongside Chinese music and singing in the middle of the square. There are many good food option restaurants from Ramen, hand pulled noodles, Dim Sum, bakeries, bubble teas and souvenirs. read more

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After doing some research I found Chinatown Square and quickly added to my list of places we needed to check out when visiting Chicago! The food and culture is amazing. The buildings are so beautiful there is so much to explore and take in. Make sure to add this to your list!! read more

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Def not like other big cities. Smaller area. Sort of repetitive businesses. There were lots of teenagers shopping at some of the toy shops. We did find a restaurant in there to eat at and it was quite good. We heard that the food down there was really good so that's why we went. Prices for things seemed fair. We got a couple of donuts at one place and got a drink in another. They do have a couple of cool statues out there and the Chinese zodiac statues with a description on it so that was kind of fun. Nothing to say about Service. The area was clean enough, but had kind of a gross smell down there. read more

Find these at almost all of the shops/restaurants! Suuuper yummy and refreshing BUT pricey at $7-$8 per. They do sell some in boxes of 3 as well - i believe at $17, but don't quote me. read more

Chinatown Square - Grape - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I always come here when I am in Chicago. I always find something different and become more acquainted with the business I have frequented. I enjoy all the ambience and ovas that Chicago has. Something new every time I come. It is always a great trip here, enjoying time with my daughter. read more

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What is not to love about Chinatown Square? With delicious food and desserts, fun shopping for Chinese imports, and many other surprises! For city folk, the el will get you there real easy, though the red line can be a little weird when the sun goes down. If you're coming from the suburbs, there's a ton of street parking and a lot across the street. Cost wise, I'd recommend you take a full walk through the square first, then you'll be equipped to make the best decisions. Also, there are plenty of the major banks located within walking distance which is great because of the stores that take cash only. My only complaint is that on Sunday, most things aren't open until 10 or 11am. But there are some bakeries open early that sell a nice breakfast pastry while you wait. read more

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This is a really fun area where you do have to find street parking or you can go to the big parking lot where you can get validation if a participating restaurant or business will give it to you and it's only $2 for 3 hours. You see the Chinese astrology monuments and there's a square where you can have live performances and parades or festivals here. There are two level restaurants and businesses throughout and it's a really cute area to go shopping and have food in. read more

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Great sightseeing, great shops. Easy to get to, plan to spend a few hours. Many stores to see. read more

Such a great place with such beautiful buildings. There are lots of stores, bakeries, restaurants mixed right in. There is tons of parking around the area and easy to get to by taking train. read more

Chinatown Square is the outdoor mall in Chinatown, and the "town square" of the neighborhood. Cool bit of trivia; it's the largest Chinese mall between the coasts. It's reclaimed railroad land, much of which has been developed in other ways as well (such as the townhomes just north of the square or Ping Tom Park a few blocks north as well). Some of the cultural events that take place in Chinatown take place in part or whole in Chinatown Square. There are Chinese restaurants here, including at least one where you can buy whole duck, bubble tea shops, travel agencies, and more. I've eaten at Lao Sze Chuan, which was good (I really like their dry chili chicken). My favorite part about Chinatown Square are the twelve statues for the Chinese zodiac. They're cool and a fun photo to take that you won't get elsewhere in the city. The twin pagodas are a great landmark for meeting up with people. read more

Chinatown Square - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best Chinatown ever! Compared to other cities, there are always late-night food options and parking isn't hard to find. Definitely one of my favorites read more

I've been here many times but guess I never wrote a review. I was just here again, last night on a pleasant Saturday early evening, at least before the rains hit. This strip mall has over the recent years become the modern heart and soul of Chicago's Chinatown and it's quite a vibrant and upbeat mall. There is lots of foot traffic and presumably many out of town tourists mixed in there as well. There are lots of eateries and other Chinese businesses to peruse and some major long time tenants like MingHin, Imperial Restaurant (ex Cai), Joy Yee Noodle, Chi Cafe, BBQ King, Saint Anna Bakery, and Tous Les Jours just to name a few. There is lots more to Chinatown than just this long strip mall, but it is by far the most vibrant and popular section of Chinatown. It slowly but surely keeps getting better and better and there are more and more second story tenants becoming visible as well. Unfortunately, it's popularity at the north end of Chinatown has for a long time taken a toll on the foot traffic in the southern part of Chinatown, like around 24th St and southward, and that's too bad. But hopefully that part of Chinatown will make a comeback in some way someday. It's getting so popular in Chinatown Square that on weekend evenings, it's getting difficult to find parking even with the big parking lots available not too far away. Big thumbs up anyway! read more

Chinatown Square - Looking towards the south half of Chinatown Square here. Popular Joy Yee Noodle at the right. - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First time visiting Chinatown Square in Chicago. Chinatown Square is the largest Chinese Mall in the US east of San Francisco and west of New York City. Cross the Red Gates to enter the large outdoor mall which incorporates architectural elements of the Chinese Imperial Court. Walking through the mall transports you to a busy traditional village center filled with boutiques, restaurants, and boba shops. Get Dim Sum. Grab a boba tea. Shop for a tea set. Check out the twelve Chinese zodiac animals in the large courtyard. These works of art were commissioned and designed by the Xiamen University in China. What's your sign? Great place to dine and shop in Chicago. read more

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If you're looking for cheap Chicago souvenirs, definitely check out Chinatown. They have many shops full of goodies and gifts to purchase. Also they have many restaurants and boba shops you can enjoy. My wife and I wouldn't mind coming here again. read more

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had a blast with family in chinatown, such a fun experience so many things to do and such good food! triple crown for food! ichiban candy store was awesome as well read more

Our family drive 3 hours purposely to visit this place because of the vibrations, friendly, and I able to speak my native language, which I deeply missed when surrounded majority English speakers. read more

I use to come with my family to Chinatown ages ago as a kid. This was my first time taking my kids, 2nd generation. He loved it. The Chinatown Square was not around when I was a kid, really love it! Parking lot across the street, clean and easy to walk around. Tons of options for eating and to get tea or dessert after. Cute souvenir shops. Sadly, walking across to the older area under the original arch, really worn down. Glad they built this area to help revitalize the area and bring tourists. read more

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Chinatown Square has many restaurants and shops that generate a lot of food traffic during lunch and dinner. It's very convenient to get to with the Red Line and other bus options connecting to and from downtown Chicago. The main square has statues of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals with descriptions and some pagodas. I thought it was really cool that although this area caters to the Chinese and Asian populations I saw a lot of non-Asians eating and walking around. It's not as big as other Chinatowns in the United States but it's still a historic and important part of the Chicago community. read more

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I love Chinatown it has the best food and Boba's drink is the best place I ever tried in my whole world

Chinatown Square is another important part of this neighborhood and there's lots of authentic fun. It apparently is the largest outdoor Chinese mall not on the Coasts, so yes this is massive. Lots of tea, food, and other ways to entertain you. Get cheap parking in the lot. This is also close to the CTA station. Basically this is a two story outdoor mall. Inside are so many shops with authentic jewelry, knickknacks, and more. The majority of the restaurants are small. It also has a few places for bubble tea, and bobas. The restaurants mostly cater to the Asian population. A good one for the more mainstream would be Veggie House. This has a Chinese menu, but it's all vegan and vegetarian. Lots of those having dietary needs Ike coming here. The other places to eat have a much more authentic feel, and smell. Also there's shops to get various Chinese herbs. There's also some art like the Zodiac one people have mentioned, and there's also a pagoda. Come here by car and stay in the parking lot for only two bucks, among the best rates you can get. It's even better just coming by train and saving the environment and the need to find a parking space. There's some good views of the neighborhood up on the trains. read more

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Always something to do and just nice scenery in general on a beautiful day it's nice to walk around .

Stumbled upon this place while I was trying to find Mango Mango Dessert. What a pleasant surprise! Cool architecture for this 2-level outdoor shopping district. Lots of different business types here including restaurants, boba shops (lots of people holding boba cups here lol), cosmetic shops, and stores filled with small knick knacks. Definitely a place of interest even for just window shopping! read more

Chinatown Square - Cool 2-level outdoor shopping space in Chinatown - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This mall has so many choices of places to shop and eat but we really want to return to explore more here when the weather is better. read more

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I visited Chinatown Square as I was visiting Veggie House, a restaurant that sits within the sector along with many other restaurants and businesses. The price for parking is what influenced me to stay in the area after eating at Veggie House, which in all actuality was a treat to myself because I got to see it from the inside. The parking is only $2.25 per hour which is not bad. And there is plenty of it whether it be in the neighborhood or metered within the immediate area. The area is also easily accessible via Chicago Transit Authority - Cermak whether it be red or green if you wish not to drive. The plaza itself has this grimy slum-like appeal which will even make you feel as though you are not in Chicago Illinois which adds intrigue. Some of the restaurants that caught my eye were Bonchon, Uni Uni, Hing Chee, Legend Tasty House, TBaar, and the delectable desserts featured at Ice Max which I hope to visit along with nearby park, Ping Tom Memorial Park, a park that has been in my sights for sometime now. Other than the restaurants, and the many gift shops within the sector I was intrigued by the statues of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac animals which caught my eye after leaving Veggie House, and AJ Housewares & Gifts. I will surely visit again, possibly either running or cycling in the area. Chinatown Square brings out the adventurous side of me because of it being a different cultural experience. ~Blessings~ Thomas G read more

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Nice square in the middle of Chinatown. Surrounded by restaurants and many other small businesses. When we were there it was a volleyball tournament which made things even more interesting and definitely more energetic. read more

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Ni Hao, Chicago! This Chinatown is such a cool place. Here, CHI doesn't mean Chicago, it's China! This whole set of shops and restaurants, stores, are along a two-story shopping center in Chinatown. The Chinatown area is all along the street that this square is on. It's a legit Chinatown, with real Chinese restaurants that don't even have menus in English, and eastern medical shops with things like old roots and leaves in little boxes. Be sure to check out the sculptures that this center has- it's got the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac carved in stone, so you can check out what year it is. Across from the square is the archway and the wall that commemorate the Chinese. It's a really cool walk. If you're looking for some place to eat, the possibilities are endless. read more

Came here during Chicago's 2021 lalapalooza weekend and Chinatown held it's annual festival. Chicago's Chinatown is much smaller than I hoped and as compared to other major cities. But then again, we're in Chicago. The city/organizers need to improve on this festival as there was nothing special to do or see. The streets were lined with vendors and just selling their cheap goods. It was like a swap meet setting. Very little to non-existent food, games, etc. Not sure if this was just a Chinese festival or a festival held in Chinatown. read more

Chinatown Square - Just outside entrance to Chinatown - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chinatown is one of my wifes "must stop" places when we visit downtown Chicago. I'm generally good with this one because the cost of parking is a fraction of the cost at Michigan Avenue locations and over the years I've really come to enjoy Chinese food. There are several different dining options in the immediate area. One of my favorite dumpling stops "Qing Zing Yuan Dumplings". It's fun to walk the kids through the truly authentic Chinese grocers in the neighborhood where they can see the variety of foods of the culture. We enjoy sipping a boba tea while trying to find a deal at one of the many stores. We most recently visited and unbeknownst to us in advance it was the summer festival. We had the fortunate bonus of visiting Chinatown as we expected, but with the additional food, vendors and entertainment to boot. I highly recommend strolling the neighborhood as a "free" thing to do in Chicago. I agree with other reviews that the area could be cleaned up some, but that kind of is what it is. read more

Chinatown Square - Chinatown Summer Festival - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Chinatown has lots of different shops you can look around and vary from snacks, souvenirs, food, boba tea, etc. It was kinda busy when we went since we went a little later in the day but not too bad! We grabbed some drinks at joyee, got roast pork and duck from BBQ King, ate at Triple Crown, and grabbed korean fried chicken from bb.q chicken read more

Chinatown Square - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I once got very scared here. It was the "Chinatown Scare." This is not that. Chinatown Square in Chicago is where a lot of great stuff happens. It's basically a massive outdoor shopping mall with every kind of Asian eatery you can imagine mixed in with bubble tea shops and gift shops and a little bit of everything. There are two stories so all the main businesses are downstairs and then a whole bunch of cool party places and hidden gems are upstairs too. The standard of bubble tea here is not great. The standard of food is better. There are lots of different elements to Chinatown and Chinatown Square may actually be the best one. I could get lost here for days and I absolutely love it. read more

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Chinatown square is always one of my favorite places to take a stroll in Chicago. Not only is there plentiful options for food, boba, and more - there's also little shops, salons, and a nearby park to venture and explore. The bright green and red decor accents are vibrant and bring such life to Chinatown Square. A great hang out spot! read more

It's newer area of Chinatown as compared to the main strip or Wentwork Ave of Chinatown opened in the early 1990s. It's geographically located about 18 block south of the downtown area and you can take the Redline train to get to this area. It's an outdoor mall filled with restaurants, retail, a bank, beauty shops, and offices. During certain times of the year, you will see festivals in the part of the Chinatown since the center area has a lot square footage If you are in town, it's worth you time to visit and it's not as large as the San Francisco and New York Chinatown. If your scroll along much further away, the is Ping Tom Memorial Park on the riverfront. In the main area, there are statues representing the 12 Chinese zodiac animals shown in different area of the Chinatown square where this came from . These work of arts came from private donors from the Xiamen University Art Department from People's Republic of China. I hope this gives a little bit more about visiting this place. Give me a few thumbs up below if you find this interesting. Swipe left to see my other reviews and hit the thumb up below on several review if you find them interesting as well. Have a good time visiting these places. read more

Chinatown Square - Backside of Chinatown Square on Street Parking - Shopping Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Chinatown Square opened in 1993 as sort of an extension of the traditional Chinatown in Chicago, centered at the gateway main intersection of Wentworth and Cermak. Just a bit north of this intersection, Chinatown Square is supposedly the largest Chinese outdoor mall between San Francisco and New York. There are a bunch of Chinese and pan-Asian restaurants and bakeries for you to check out. In a way a self-contained visit here is the opposite of rambling down the more exposed streets comprising the main part of Chinatown. The complex was designed by the noted architecture firm Harry Weese and Associates. The main square features the statues of the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals. Traditional elements include twin pagodas, and the decorative glazed medallion-like tiles embedded in the walls. Find something good to eat at Chinatown Square. It's a fun place to take out of town visitors. read more

Being here is a close second to the real Chinatown in China. In Chicago's Chinatown square the crowded little streets are filled with North Americans and Asians and the it's the same in most of the restaurants. The zodiac plaza, found at the front entrance to Chinatown square, is pretty cool as you can read through all the different kiosks and determine what your zodiac animal is. First and foremost sits the dragon, which represents the most noble zodiac figure of them all. If it wasn't for my friend Bill M I woulda never had the opportunity to see this beautiful authentic hood near Chicago's south side. I Added bonus: take the water taxi and cruise up the river to the end of the line at Ping Tom Memorial park . Trust me you'll enjoy the adventure as most people don't ride that big yellow boat to the dead end and it's pretty cool. Then walk up through the park and meander your way through the streets till you reach the back entrance to Chinatown square. You never know your might stumble upon salsa dancing with live music in the park like we did! read more

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