The world’s largest country and where you can find it in the Windy City.
China is Illinois’ largest international trading partner. There is also a large Chinese community in Chicago with plenty of opportunities to experience cultural events, business connections, and more.
Start here
The Chinese consulate is an absolute essential to get in contact with, whether you’re a visitor or a business person looking to expand to China. They are a bit more engaged in the wider community than other consulates, to their credit, so their website is a bit more resourceful than others.
Business groups
There are two China-specific chambers of commerce in Chicago: The US-China Chamber of Commerce has a chapter in the city. They are devoted to increasing trade between the two countries by helping companies in both countries expand to the other. The Chicago General Chamber of Commerce, which also has a chapter in the city, has the same mission, but focuses more on Chinese companies that already have offices in the US.
The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce represents local businesses in the neighborhood.
Cultural
The center of Chinese culture in Chicago is, of course, Chinatown, just south of downtown. Some highlights are the Chinese American Museum, which has a permanent collection related to both the local Chinese community and a handful of objects from the mainland. There is also the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute, which does cross-cultural tours, Chinatown tours, tastings, and other cultural events.
The Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation is one of the sponsors of the annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy, held at Ping Tom Park, and the Lunar New Year parade held on Wentworth Avenue each lunar new year.
The China Mutual Aid Association provides social services for immigrants and low-income people.
The Chinese Christian Union Church bought the On Leong Merchant Association building in 1993 and turned it into the Pui Tak Center, which provides classes, music concerts and other community events.
Language Learning
The China Mutual Aid Association holds Mandarin lessons for anyone who wants to learn.
You can also take classes at the Chicago Mandarin Chinese Center if you’re downtown.
The Confucius Institute in the West Loop is affiliated with China’s Ministry of Education and offers classes for the general public and has a partnership with the Chicago Public Schools.