Located on one city block in the heart of Portland’s Chinatown, Lan Su Chinese Garden offers a relaxing experience of Chinese culture. Savor the garden’s tranquility as you learn about China’s native plants and the cultural traditions that depend upon them.
Lan Su Chinese Garden reflects Portland’s special relationship with Chinese culture and with its sister city of Suzhou in particular. In 1999, about 65 workmen came to Portland from China to build an authentic 0.9-acre (0.4-hectare) garden. The garden’s name symbolically combines the two cities, “Lan” from Portland and “Su” from Suzhou, while also meaning “awakening orchids” in Chinese.
A traditional Chinese garden is dedicated above all to the notion of balance, with the interplay of yin and yang revealed in everything. Appreciate the attention to detail as you move along the tree-lined paths past structures of the garden, from covered walkways and bridges to pavilions, all arranged around the manmade Zither Lake.
Hundreds of native Chinese species have been planted here. Look for magnolias, rhododendrons and bamboo, as well as fragrant seasonal blooms such as gardenias. Admire the two Chinese plum trees and the loquat tree, which is rare to see in such northern climates.
Head to the ornate Tower of Cosmic Reflections to reflect and refresh at the teahouse, which offers tea and light meals. The teahouse hosts music on some days of the week and open meetings of a local ceremonial tea club occasionally.
An oasis of calm through the year, for 2 weeks each year Lan Su springs to life with a lively celebration for the Chinese New Year. Participate in the holiday festivities such as calligraphy demonstrations, performances of lion dancing and viewings of paper lanterns.
Lan Su Chinese Garden is centrally located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. They are easily accessible by foot, car and public transportation within the city. Opening hours are from mid morning to mid evening 7 days a week, with earlier closing time in winter. The admission price includes a tour through the gardens.
