Frequently Asked Questions
Still need us?
If your question isn’t answered here, you can contact us at 630-857-0879 or send us an Email and we’ll be happy to help.
If your question isn’t answered here, you can contact us at 630-857-0879 or send us an Email and we’ll be happy to help.
TICKET PURCHASE
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Please purchase tour tickets well in advance. Once you have submitted your reservation, you’ll receive a reply from us within 48 hours.
Can I get a refund or reschedule my date? If you need to change or cancel and have paid for the tour, contact us 48 hours before the tour date for a full refund. Otherwise, cancellations are nonrefundable. No refunds are available for no shows, partial attendance, or late arrivals.
Should I leave a tip at the restaurant? Should I tip the tour guide? The tips at the restaurant are included, but tips to the tour guides are not. Gratuity to the tour leader is at your discretion and always appreciated :)
TOUR LOGISTICS
How long does the tour last? The morning tour at 10 a.m. last two hours, and three hours for the tour and luncheon. The afternoon tour at 1pm is an hour and a half. The afternoon schedule is by request only. Contact us if you’d like to schedule an afternoon tour.
The afternoon tour does not include the luncheon. The tour makes all the same stops as the morning tour, but we move a little faster, and often ends at the Bubble Tea shop – a good place to sit, relax, and recharge.
Does the tour include everything listed on the tour info page? Two hours is not enough time to visit all that is listed. The choice of sites and time spent is dependent on what you’d like to see and our ability to fit it all in. If there is something of particular interest to you, please let us know before you arrive.
What is the walk like? The walk is a leisurely stroll that covers less than half a mile from start to finish. There are a few inclines while on tour but guests of all ages find the slopes of Chinatown accessible. The walk is handicapped accessible with the exception of the visit to a temple. If stairs are a problem for you, please let us know before you arrive.
Do I have time to shop while I’m on the tour? It’s hard to resist all the great bargains in Chinatown, and you may purchase refreshments at the herbal pharmacy and cookies at the cookie factory. However, because we want to show you as much as possible, we suggest that you set aside your personal shopping at the end of the tour or lunch. To assist you, ask us to email you our Insider’s Guide to Restaurants/Shopping, updated yearly. Everyone gets a copy at the end of the tour.
Where does the tour end? Our tours begin and end in different locations. Contact us if you need to know where your tour will end before you arrive.
Are there bathroom breaks? At the start of the tour there are public restrooms in Portsmouth Square. It is difficult to find other public restrooms while on tour. If you are having lunch, there are restrooms at the restaurant.
How many are usually on the daily tour? Anywhere from 4-25 guests. We try to limit our group size to ensure that guests see and hear everything on the tour.
Are cameras allowed? You are welcome to take photographs while on tour, with the exception of the herbal pharmacy. At the pharmacy, you can take photos of the herbs, but not of employees or shoppers.
What happens if it rains? We depart rain or shine. Half of the walking tour is inside shops and under awnings. Bring an umbrella if you would like the added protection from the rain.
Is there parking nearby? Yes. You can park your car in the Parking Lot at the corner of Wentworth and Cermak. Our food tour members will receive a special validation pass which you only need to pay $2 for 3 hours parking.
What if I’m late? The daily tour starts at at the Dragon Zodiac Statue in Chinatown Square at 10am. Please try to call your tour guide on his/her cell before 10am if you are running late.
FOOD & DRINKS
What if I have dietary restrictions? When you purchase your ticket, please let us know if you have dietary restrictions before the tour and lunch. With advance notice, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. The restaurant offers substitutions for vegetarians and other dietary choices.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Please purchase tour tickets well in advance. Once you have submitted your reservation, you’ll receive a reply from us within 48 hours.
Can I get a refund or reschedule my date? If you need to change or cancel and have paid for the tour, contact us 48 hours before the tour date for a full refund. Otherwise, cancellations are nonrefundable. No refunds are available for no shows, partial attendance, or late arrivals.
Should I leave a tip at the restaurant? Should I tip the tour guide? The tips at the restaurant are included, but tips to the tour guides are not. Gratuity to the tour leader is at your discretion and always appreciated :)
TOUR LOGISTICS
How long does the tour last? The morning tour at 10 a.m. last two hours, and three hours for the tour and luncheon. The afternoon tour at 1pm is an hour and a half. The afternoon schedule is by request only. Contact us if you’d like to schedule an afternoon tour.
The afternoon tour does not include the luncheon. The tour makes all the same stops as the morning tour, but we move a little faster, and often ends at the Bubble Tea shop – a good place to sit, relax, and recharge.
Does the tour include everything listed on the tour info page? Two hours is not enough time to visit all that is listed. The choice of sites and time spent is dependent on what you’d like to see and our ability to fit it all in. If there is something of particular interest to you, please let us know before you arrive.
What is the walk like? The walk is a leisurely stroll that covers less than half a mile from start to finish. There are a few inclines while on tour but guests of all ages find the slopes of Chinatown accessible. The walk is handicapped accessible with the exception of the visit to a temple. If stairs are a problem for you, please let us know before you arrive.
Do I have time to shop while I’m on the tour? It’s hard to resist all the great bargains in Chinatown, and you may purchase refreshments at the herbal pharmacy and cookies at the cookie factory. However, because we want to show you as much as possible, we suggest that you set aside your personal shopping at the end of the tour or lunch. To assist you, ask us to email you our Insider’s Guide to Restaurants/Shopping, updated yearly. Everyone gets a copy at the end of the tour.
Where does the tour end? Our tours begin and end in different locations. Contact us if you need to know where your tour will end before you arrive.
Are there bathroom breaks? At the start of the tour there are public restrooms in Portsmouth Square. It is difficult to find other public restrooms while on tour. If you are having lunch, there are restrooms at the restaurant.
How many are usually on the daily tour? Anywhere from 4-25 guests. We try to limit our group size to ensure that guests see and hear everything on the tour.
Are cameras allowed? You are welcome to take photographs while on tour, with the exception of the herbal pharmacy. At the pharmacy, you can take photos of the herbs, but not of employees or shoppers.
What happens if it rains? We depart rain or shine. Half of the walking tour is inside shops and under awnings. Bring an umbrella if you would like the added protection from the rain.
Is there parking nearby? Yes. You can park your car in the Parking Lot at the corner of Wentworth and Cermak. Our food tour members will receive a special validation pass which you only need to pay $2 for 3 hours parking.
What if I’m late? The daily tour starts at at the Dragon Zodiac Statue in Chinatown Square at 10am. Please try to call your tour guide on his/her cell before 10am if you are running late.
FOOD & DRINKS
What if I have dietary restrictions? When you purchase your ticket, please let us know if you have dietary restrictions before the tour and lunch. With advance notice, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. The restaurant offers substitutions for vegetarians and other dietary choices.