Lan Su Chinese Garden

The Basics

Allow an hour or two to explore the garden’s meandering paths, ponds, footbridges, and seasonal cherry blossoms. Free daily public tours cover the layout and symbolism of the garden—designed by artisans from Portland’s sister city in Suzhou, China. Go deeper into Chinese culture with free feng shui demonstrations, Tai Chi classes, and calligraphy workshops. Have traditional Chinese tea at the ornate 2-story teahouse. Many Portland city sightseeing and walking tours make a stop at this cherished local sanctuary.

Things to Know Before You Go

Admission is free for members and children age 5 and younger.
Garden admission or membership is required to visit the tea house.
Pay attention to the vessels used to serve tea, as they are specially chosen to compliment each tea’s character.
Garden-themed souvenirs and gifts are available to purchase at the Garden Shop.
The garden is available to rent for special events such as weddings, proposals, and photo shoots.
There is a wheelchair-accessible route through the garden, and both levels of the teahouse are accessible.
With the exception of service animals, dogs are not allowed.

How to Get There

Lan Su Chinese Garden is located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, at the corner of NW 3rd and Everett streets. It’s accessible via the Old Town Chinatown stop on the city’s MAX light rail line or by multiple bus routes. It's also within easy walking distance of many downtown attractions and has bike racks near the entrance.

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When to Get There

While Lan Su Chinese Garden is pleasant year-round, it blooms with festivity for the annual Chinese New Year celebrations in late January/early February, when traditional Chinese dance, martial arts, and crafts are on display. Visit in the evenings to see the gardens aglow with hanging lanterns.

Portland Parks and Gardens

Portland, surrounded by Mount Hood and the Willamette and Columbia rivers, attracts plenty of nature seekers. You don’t have to plan a day trip to enjoy the outdoors—just visit one of Portland’s parks and gardens. Sprawling Washington Park is a favorite and home to a Japanese garden and the International Rose Test Garden. Escape to the forests of the Pacific Northwest at Hoyt Arboretum, or watch ducks and geese swim through Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.