Chinatown Dim Sum & Hidden Temples

Chicago’s Chinatown is often reduced to the bustling Wentworth Avenue corridor, but the neighborhood’s true depth lies in the interplay between traditional Cantonese rituals and quiet, scenic escapes Daily Delights: Explorin…. This route avoids the typical tourist traps, starting instead with a Michelin-recognized anchor before pushing toward the neighborhood's spiritual and natural edges. The logic here is simple: fuel up with high-volume, high-quality dim sum, then use the subsequent miles to digest while transitioning from the urban density of the Square to the serene, architectural stillness of a Buddhist temple. It is a trajectory that mimics the neighborhood’s own shift from commercial hub to cultural sanctuary. Starting at MingHin Cuisine provides the necessary foundation. Unlike the smaller, more chaotic parlors, this four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand winner handles its massive scale with clinical precision Minghin authentic dim su…MingHin has great AUTHEN…. The move is to arrive early to secure the signature shumai and har gow, which maintain a consistent texture that eludes many of the surrounding competitors MingHin Cuisine. From there, the route moves to Ping Tom Memorial Park, a 17-acre site that repurposed a former railyard into a landscape of prairie grasses and Chinese-inspired aesthetics Daily Delights: Explorin…; it offers a perspective of the Willis Tower that feels private rather than performative. The final leg of the journey demands a longer walk toward the Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple, a site that showcases the neighborhood's religious diversity beyond the well-known churches on Wentworth. Contrasting the frantic energy of the morning’s dim sum service, the temple offers a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Closing the day at Oriental Tea for rolled ice cream provides a modern counterpoint to the morning's tradition, forcing a slow pace as the treat is prepared by hand in a space that barely fits three people. It is a compact summary of Chinatown: rooted in the past, yet constantly adapting to the present.

What to Expect

Expect high energy at the start and quietude at the finish. MingHin requires a morning arrival to avoid hour-long waits Navigating Chicago's Chi…. The total walking distance is substantial at 4.5 miles; while flat, the stretch toward the temple can feel industrial. Total spend per person will hover around $35-$50 depending on the dim sum order. The temple is a place of worship, so modest attire is recommended, and the water taxi from Ping Tom back to the Loop is a $10 seasonal addition that saves significant travel time.

The Route

1

MingHin Cuisine

77

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity52

Infrastructure77

Terrain100

Safety91

Lighting97

Amenities72

Transit38

"Skip the chaotic wait elsewhere and start with their legendary shumai—it's juicier and chewier than any other spot in Chinatown."

30-45 min8 min

8 min · 665 m77

2

Ping Tom Memorial Park

77

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity52

Infrastructure77

Terrain100

Safety91

Lighting97

Amenities72

Transit38

"Enter the park's north side for the best skyline views, then hitch a ride back to the Loop on the water taxi for a scenic shortcut."

30-45 min41 min

41 min · 2.2 mi82

3

Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple

82

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity56

Infrastructure78

Terrain100

Safety91

Lighting97

Amenities88

Transit53

"Look for the friendly resident nun and take advantage of their rare, dedicated visitor parking lot—just don't leave anything visible in your car."

30-45 min36 min

36 min · 1.9 mi84

4

Oriental Tea

84

Navi Walkability Score

Path Popularity47

Infrastructure85

Terrain100

Safety95

Lighting99

Amenities83

Transit73

"Skip the plain tea and go for the rolled ice cream—watching them make it is the real highlight, though the tiny interior means you’ll likely be eating yours on the sidewalk."

45 min - 1 hr5 min walk

Frequently Asked Questions