Ping Tom Memorial Park is a great off-the-beaten-path oasis within the city. To reach this riverside park, exit Chinatown Square through the center "Dragon Gate" (on the north side of Chinatown Square) and turn right.

Follow China Place, which turns into Wells Street. Follow Wells Street north (left) about two blocks to 19th Street. Turn left at 19th into Ping Tom Memorial Park.

Ping Tom Memorial Park, named after Chinatown's most prominent civic leader, is a 12 acre park located on the south branch of the Chicago River. The park features a pagoda-style pavilion, walking paths which extend both to the north and south of the pavilion, a playground for the kids and hints of Chinese landscaping.

Looking southwest down the river, you'll see a very industrial-looking 195-foot vertical lift bridge. The center portion of the bridge raises to let tall boats pass under the railroad tracks.

The north walking path contains a boardwalk and some great city views. To reach the north walking path, head past the playground, then under the 18th Street bridge and past the nearby boathouse.


That concludes our Chinatown Tour! Take a break in this oasis before re-tracing your steps to Wentworth and 22nd Street (Cermak Road) to catch the CTA Red LIne back downtown.