In the mission, "Pursuit Farce", after arriving at Huang's apartment, Huang will ask Ling Shan if she wants to come in for some coffee. This is an allusion to the controversial "Hot Coffee" mini-game from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

The name of the mission "Dragon Haul Z" is a reference to the manga/anime Dragon Ball Z.

Unlike the covers of nearly all Grand Theft Auto games since GTA III, Chinatown War's cover doesn't have a picture of a helicopter in the top left corner.

If you go to any corner of the map, there will be a sign that says, "Here Be Dragons."

The Sniper Rifle has the same firing sound as the Shotgun from Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

Some stores gave away a "credit card" which activates $10,000 of in-game money and earlier access to better weapons if you pre-ordered the game.