By Barbara Wade 2010, All Rights Reserved Nearly three million people call Chicago home and with good reason. A sparkling jewel perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago offers unparalleled entertainment, shopping and cultural events. For those who are just visiting, a stay in a Chicago luxury hotel and an excursion along the Chicago River provide a taste of what life is like in this Midwestern town. Getting There is Half the Fun Chicago's famous water taxi gives commuters and tourists the chance to avoid the traffic while seeing the city from a whole new perspective. Travel from Chinatown all the way to Michigan Avenue, where the Magnificent Mile offers shopping, five-star dining and a chance to see and be seen in one of the most famous shopping districts in the world. At Chinatown, you'll experience the history of Chinese immigration to the United States through a walking tour of this unique neighborhood. Along the way, you'll see Chicago's Nine Dragon Wall, a beautiful replica of Beijing's famous landmark "" one of only three outside of China. The wall depicts nine large and more than 500 smaller dragons, and is believed to be a source of good fortune. The next stop on your water-taxi tour is Madison Avenue, where music lovers will have an opportunity to see one of the world's great opera companies perform such classic operas as Macbeth, Carmen, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Founded in 1954, the Lyric Opera has welcomed world-class performers from Placido Domingo to Luciano Pavarotti, and today enjoys nearly 100% capacity for each of more than 80 annual performances, making it one of the most successful operas in the world. Just two blocks south is the Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower), the tallest building in the western hemisphere, and the only one with a glass-bottomed viewing platform. If you dare, you'll get a view of Chicago you've never imagined when you venture out into this glass cube that hangs 103 stories above the street. Next up is North LaSalle Street, where a short walk will bring you to the Merchandise Mart, the world's largest commercial building. Every year, more than three million visitors discover 25 stories of retail space packed with luxury goods along with high-end home furnishings and design. Whether you're buying a gift or building a home, the Merchandise Mart is a great place to begin. Hop off your water taxi at Michigan Avenue and you'll instantly find yourself immersed in shopper's heaven. Exclusive boutiques line the Magnificent Mile, the heart of downtown Chicago. Luxury hotel rooms, five-star restaurants, and fine retailers all await you as you wander along this wide boulevard in the center of the city. Bordered by the river to the south, and the world-famous Oak Street Beach to the north, the Magnificent Mile is one Chicago landmark you won't want to miss. Chicago's central location makes it the perfect spot for business meetings, vacations or even a long weekend. An eclectic mix of art, culture and entertainment means everyone will find something to love about Chicago. Whether you prefer black-tie dinners or relaxing on the beach, you'll find it in downtown Chicago. Hotel accommodations are plentiful and easy public transportation makes your trip hassle free, even in a busy city center.
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