My second time at this Garden, and I wanted to take my fiancé to try it out. We had waltzed through the Chinatown district in order to approach the entrance. In order to enter to purchase admission tickets, you had to ring a doorbell and someone will buzz you in. Well walked the garden counterclockwise and were able to see historical replications of alters and interior decor. The garden itself was relaxing, peaceful, and clean. There were koi fish being fed, large lotus flowers blooming, and lovely sounds of water. We passed by their tea shop which you can purchase a drink to sit and relax across their pond. Overall, very lovely to see when you're visiting Portland! read more

This garden is an urban oasis in the middle of a seedy area in Portland. As such, it is a welcome refuge. It was absolutely beautiful. It's not old, but rather new, and very well done with tremendous attention to detail and lush plantings. The tea area is lovely! If I lived in Portland, I would get a membership! read more

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Garden is very small, not much to do or see. This is in downtown area so there's a big homeless population along with many people screaming and fighting outside the garden which was quite scary. I honestly don't think it's a very good garden compared to other ones I've visited. Parking was also hard to find too since it's in downtown and we finished walking through the garden within 30 minutes. They seem to have really cool events during the weekends and they also have guided tours but again, very small garden so not really going anywhere and they're just telling you about the history which is already available for you to read or watch in another building. They have a small, very expensive gift shop up front near the box office that has many Chinese books and other small business items. Wouldn't recommend unless you live somewhere that doesn't have an Asian garden, you may enjoy this. read more

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Lan Su Chinese Garden is a gem nestled in Downtown Portland's Chinatown neighborhood. There is no parking lot here so street parking will be your best bet. Admission is $16 for adults and $15 with student ID. The garden is a serene oasis and escape from the urban sprawl. It is rich with history, beautiful greenery, and amazing architecture. There is also a tea house on the premises so make sure to stop by and try some tea as well! read more

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I really enjoyed the garden. This type of garden is the Chinese Suzhou style. I feel relaxed and at peace when walking through it. We were lucky to be there just in time to listen to the tour guide, she told stories and it made our visit more interesting. But what's with all the plastic things like the fish and pandas? Those were super tacky! read more

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Visited here to attend a very interesting demonstration and explainer Chinese tea and ceremony. I learned a lot about the differences in some particular Chinese tea but also the differences between these and the more processed English tea. Tea was of course served but in a way that supported what was being explained to us. We stuck around a little bit afterwards to enjoy the garden and scope out the tea house. Also I've never seen such huge koi in all my life. read more

Lan Su Chinese Garden - The flowers were in bloom - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Such a beautiful garden, this was our first stop of the day and honestly that set the mood for the rest of the day as well. We felt at peace, calm, and admiration for not only the garden but with everything we saw. There's a beautiful history behind it all and every scene was beautifully arranged. Such an amazing garden! read more

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SO PEACEFUL AND BEAUTIFUL!! If I was local I'd totally come here for lunch breaks to decompress! Missed the tea shop because we were short on time but I'm sure it would have just put a cherry on top! Check this place out FOR SURE. read more

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Our tour guide, Charlie, has a natural gift of teaching and educating his listeners. His palpable passion for Chinese history encourages you to appreciate the beautiful architecture and nature of the gardens. Highly recommend getting the tour if going because it brings such a special experience! read more

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A Peaceful, Beautiful Escape in the Heart of the City Lan Su Chinese Garden is a stunning retreat from the noise and energy of the city just beyond its walls. It up a whole city block. Once you step inside, the atmosphere shifts completely--tranquil, balanced, and deeply immersive. It's hard to believe you're still in downtown Portland. Built 25 years ago with materials, stones, sculptures, and architectural details brought directly from China, the garden feels incredibly authentic. One of the guides explained that it's modeled after a private scholar's garden that might have been gifted to a lord by the emperor--adding even more meaning to the experience. The layout, from the water features to the intricate stonework and pavilions, is beautifully done and clearly well-maintained. It took us about 25 to 45 minutes to walk through, but we easily could have gone around again or sat longer to soak it all in. There's also a fully functioning teahouse on-site, which adds to the calm and cultural depth of the visit. If you're in Portland, don't miss this. It's a peaceful, enriching place to slow down and appreciate craftsmanship, nature, and history. One of the highlights of our trip--I recommend it wholeheartedly. read more

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Beautiful Chinese garden in the middle of an American city! I visited this garden on a Sunday afternoon. The garden is located in Portland's Chinatown area and the surrounding area is not the safest as there are homeless and people exuding erratic behavior around, so visit with caution. Walking-in, my friend and I were warmly greeted by the friendly staff. The ticket was $16 per adult which wasn't bad especially compared to the Japanese Garden admission. The garden itself was very beautiful and seemed authentic. Beautiful oriental architecture to the refreshing pond with koi, the vibe was on point. It was very similar to the Chinese garden at Huntington Library & Gardens in Pasadena, California. Even though the area is small, it was still nice to explore and take in. You can definitely spend a couple of hours here. In one of the rooms, they were doing a make your own Chinese herb scent bag for that day which was cool. I also like how in another room, they displayed traditional wear of other Asian Pacific Islander cultures to celebrate AAPI month. I also loved the café and the tea. It was great sipping on the refreshing tea while admiring the garden. Overall, a great experience here and I'd recommend to anyone visiting Portland. read more

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BEAUTIFUL, TRANQUIL OASIS Escape to a serene haven on the edge of the city. You'll feel like you're in another world in this stunning Chinese Garden built by artisans from Suzhou and opened in 2000. We were fortunate to join a free tour in progress when we arrived. Our incredibly knowledgeable docent was fantastic and enhanced our experience. Thanks to her, we stuck our hands in the lion's mouth for good luck. Even though I had been here once before, the gorgeous grounds look different each season. Excited to see they now have Tai Chi classes here, too! You'll dig the pretty views when you snack at the tea house. If you're a garden lover, don't miss this remarkable paradise. read more

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Congratulations to the Lan Su Chinese Garden team for their first ever wildly successful Shoes Off AANHPI Comedy Night in the Yun Shui Teahouse on 5/23! It was a sold out show of 60 people packed the second floor of the Teahouse. The upstairs restroom was use for the green room tonight. I cannot wait for the next show on 5/30. I'm rooting for them. Fingers crossed they continue to partner with Kick Stand to curates live comedy with a focus on quality, community, and unique voices to make it into a regular venue at the garden. As a member, I would love to see it offered monthly. It was definitely worth it for $28 per ticket for 21+ audiences. The three comedians were hilarious, lively with relevant content. The two MCs were spectacularly entertaining as well. My favorite comedian tonight was Juno Men; I laughed so hard at most of her jokes! The menu was limited to 3 snack items: vegan popcorn, lotus moon cake, and miso rice ball for quick turnaround. Some can juice, sparkling water, and more choice for alcohol. Perks: -FREE parking downtown after 7pm, and you can also park for free on their lot behind the garden. -You can stroll through the garden and enjoy the serenity with much less people for an hour before the show. read more

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Love the full service tea house. So relaxing. Great tea options. The grounds are beautiful, but better viewed during summer, imo. read more

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I truly believe exploring Portland is not complete until you visit this not so hidden gem tucked away beautifully right in the middle of downtown. I have taken a liking to beautiful gardens in the past couple of years so when I found myself exploring Portland, I was very intrigued by the images online and had to go see this place for myself. You enter through an obscure door on the street that is locked by default. Don't worry, you are at the right place and the front desk will help you get in. Once you sort out your ticket and walk in, you are greeted by a grand arch. You can walk barefoot here and let the stones massage the ache out of your traveler feet. As you follow the path the majestic pagodas greet you. It's like you completely teleport into another universe and era. There is a small bridge with Chinese lanterns, blooming lotus flowers in the water and abundant koi fish. The entire place screams zen. I actually felt so at peace here that I just laid on one of the benches and quietly meditated. The entire establishment has tasteful pieces of art, including the bathroom sink which is a beautiful china bowl. They also have a little museum of artifacts inside, the path to which is beautifully lined with trees. Here I was able to witness an ongoing traditional tea ceremony and shamelessly eavesdropped to enrich myself. You can actually pay for the tea experience if that fancies you. The cafe in here was absolutely gorgeous with tasteful seating with umbrellas for those that wanted to sit outside. I grabbed an iced jasmine green tea to beat the heat and quietly snacked on a red bean mooncake as dragonflies, butterflies and all sorts of vibrant insects buzzed by, reminding me of how alive and tranquil the garden is. Please come here. It's absolutely gorgeous. read more

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I will say that this garden is TRULY a hidden gem in Chinatown and I'm not quite sure why I waited so long to visit it! I feel like people really talk up the Japanese garden, which don't get me wrong, is very beautiful and certainly larger than this Chinese garden; but don't sleep on this spot either! The exterior may look a bit tough or worn, but within the walls you find the most serene little garden with a tea shop and bites to take a break in. The prices are so reasonable for the experience and it really feels like you are transported out of downtown Portland almost immediately. There is a ton of street parking in the area and I haven't had any issues with it at all. You can sign up for the membership here with some discounts and event invites if you are interested in supporting the garden on a more longterm basis! read more

Beautiful little jewel of a garden in downtown Portland. It is literally a 10 min walk from the Amtrak station or one or two blocks from the nearest subway stop. It has seating so I would strongly recommend bringing something to read and sitting somewhere to enjoy a sunny day. They have many Chinese bonsai or penjing. They also have a cute teahouse to spend time in. The admission is $16 ($5 for low income people) but the person at the entrance said we could come and go. If I had had more time, I would have come back with my book! read more

Lan Su Chinese Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great experience as we were checking out the different gardens and went with recommended things to do in Portland. Beautiful chinese garden and they have a tea house. Great teas and great to chill and relax. On a side note, didn't get to go to the lunar celebrations but if we stop by Portland again I would pay attention to that. read more

Lan Su Chinese Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Portland offers so many amazing activities and the Lan Su Chinese Garden did not disappoint. Hidden among the tall buildings and concrete jungle of Portland's Chinatown is Lan Su, where you can be transported to a magical calm and peaceful place. It was a hot summer day so walking around was a beautiful escape. Lots of nearby parking and we had a free pass so the price was just perfect! It's stunning here! read more

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We attended the Dragon Light Festival at the LAN Su Chinese Garden recently at the later evening program. It was fabulously colorful and professionally performed. The garden was beautiful and lit tastefully in red and gold tones . The two of us thoroughly enjoyed our evening in Portland's historic old town. Parking was on the street and we got lucky for a space right out front of the garden . Highly recommend this experience. read more

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I love this place! Great staff, pleasant volunteers... calm beauty. This is a house to aspire towards. Think family compound with gardens, walking trails & koi fish ponds throughout. Besides the beautiful gardens, what I most appreciated was the serine feeling you receive just appreciated the design and functionality of the space. Sharine read more

Lovely Chinese garden. Though it only covers one city square block, but it felt very spacious inside. I felt very serene and poetic just being there. read more

Lan Su Chinese Garden - The garden with persimmon tree in the foreground - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Take the time to explore slowly and enjoy at least one pot of tea. Well worth a visit.

Beautiful place to spend a few hours. Enjoyed the tour very much. Had a wonderful lunch in the tea house. Be sure to take the guided tour which is every hour. It's about a 45-50 minute tour and definitely worth it! I loved it so much that I joined the annual membership. I go often and look forward to the specimens that they offer. read more

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Truly a gem in the City, Lan Su Gardens transports you, even if just for a few hours! A dear friend, who is a member, invited me as her guest yesterday. It was a brilliant blue sky day and the various pavillions, trees, bright yellow lanterns, and carved wooden doors popped against the sky. We could not have created a more perfect backdrop. The entry courtyard had a new installation of a giant hummingbird adorned with fresh flowers. We watched the floral artists create it magically, as magical as the hummingbird itself. Flanking the NW wall in the courtyard are The Three Friends of Winter. Three trees - a pine, plum and bamboo tree that symbolize steadfastness, resilience and perseverance. The plum tree is also one of spring's first blooms, welcoming spring with our first pop of much needed color. We entered the circular doorway and made our way through the various rooms, courtyards and pathways of this enchanting garden. built and designed by artisans in traditional materials and methods in 2000. The garden symbolizes the relationship between Portland and her sister city Suzhou in China's Jiangsu Province. The name LanSu combines both and represents Garden of Awakening Orchid. The various rooms with their elaborate carved wooden doors and lattice windows would have ensured that guests traveling to these estates in ancient 1600 China, could see the family's status and wealth. In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, yellow lanterns adorned the various pavilions hanging from intricate carved wood and trees in the courtyards. They change the colors of the lanterns based on seasons and celebrations. In the room inside the Terrace, traditional clothing of these same areas was displayed. Of course we needed a complete experience so we stopped at the Tea House to enjoy an afternoon tea with a pot of Oolong Tea and a traditional moon cake. We were lucky to sit outside with a view of the Moon-Locking Pavillion and the pink USBancorp Building standing proud, peaking out in the background, letting us know we were in the city in spite of our surroundings. It was a lovely day of friendship, tea, experiencing and learning about another culture. I've been to various cities and provences in China and while i was in the garden, so many fond memories came flooding back. Appropriate, as reflection is what gardens inspire, amongst other things. Already looking forward to visiting in the fall and during the Chinese New Year Festival of Lights. Parked right on the street in front of entrance and felt safe. The city has finally moved the vast majority of tents that were inhibiting many people from visiting this beautiful garden. So don't be intimidated, go! Enjoy! read more

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The garden has a special beauty and you can feel the calmness as you walk through. I decided to sign up for the Autumn Tea Tasting and I am so glad I did! We got to keep our tea cup! Eric was our tea master and he was a delight to learn from. His passion and care is evident through his words and actions. The tea was delicious and I learned so much! read more

Lan Su Chinese Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I had no idea such a special place existed in Portland. Truly amazing experience and beautiful, authentic garden. Highly recommend, highly recommend. read more

I am a lover of a Japanese garden, so I was surprised by the differences. A warren of water and architecture, I found it hard to believe I was still in the gritty downtown of Portland. We went for the New Year's celebrations, and I am interested in seeing and hearing the garden at a more normal time. Biggest downside was outside. Tents and camps on every corner, security at the gate, cursing and hollering in the street... truly the worst of Portland I have seen in a while. Here's to my next visit proving the garden is as much aural oasis as it is a visual one. read more

Lan Su Chinese Garden - The floors throughout are interesting and changing patterns of light and dark stone... - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I wandered the garden and sipped a cup of tea while my car was being worked on at Everett Street Auto. The tea house is delightful. The staff are so friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I liked the blood orange caffeine free tisane I had. I sat upstairs where the garden views are like a live Chinese painting. The koi are mesmerizing and it's fun to watch them swish about. The garden is lovely and well tended and great in every season. I also got a delightfully cute stuffed Chinese dragon for my friend's kid at the gift shop. read more

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A Peaceful Garden! LOCATION: We parked a block away from the garden. It's important to note that the area is surrounded by homelessness, with many tents nearby. Some individuals may roam the area respectfully, while others may be more aggressive, especially where we parked... Please be cautious of your surroundings and AVOID leaving valuables in your car. The garden itself is gated for protection, and you'll need to buzz in at the entrance. EXPERIENCE: Admission was $15 per person. You can explore the garden with a tour guide or venture through it on your own. There's an indoor tea house (though a bit pricey) and a small gift shop. The garden occupies an entire block, so you can walk through it fairly quickly, and there are some beautiful spots to enjoy. It might be more enjoyable if you avoid "peak" hour times. OVERALL: This was a quick activity for us; we strolled and took pictures for about 30-40 minutes. While it was a nice experience, I think it would be a one-time visit for me. read more

What a lovely experience! The Lan Su Garden is like a little bit of heaven... This serene and peaceful garden is truly a gift. Literally, and figuratively, as it was gifted from Portland's sister city to them. What once was a parking lot was turned into living art. The Koi pond is filled with a variety of Koi's swimming about, and eagerly waiting to be fed. They are definitely well taken care of. The self-guided tour will allow you to explore all the different places in the garden, and every spot will feel like a perfect picture opportunity. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and the tea room has an additional charge. Travelers tip: the hours posted for the tea room are not consistent. They may note that they are open, when, in fact, they may be closed for the day. We ran into this situation ourselves, and it was disappointing to miss out on the tea room. They are located in downtown Portland, and parking can be randomly found on the street. It's definitely a cool place to explore! read more

Lan Su Chinese Garden - Patio area. The tile was done by hand. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I have been a member for years and it is probably one of the most peaceful places in all of Portland. So many comment on their fear of going here. But I have to say that is rather unfounded. Yes, it is in an area that has some problems. And there are homeless on the streets around the garden. But daytime visits are perfectly safe. Just don't leave anything in your car. Lock it up securely and park where others are parking. You do have to pay for street parking. There is no lot. Don't let fear prevent you from visiting this Jewel of Portland. Very tranquil, extremely well done. The tea house is lovely with a delightful menu of both tea and light bites. There is an affordable fee for entry and there is a very nice gift shop. Stroll, sit, contemplate. Absolutely worth a visit. read more

Lan Su Chinese Garden - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The Lan Su Chinese Garden is gorgeous, an absolute beautiful place in the middle of downtown Portland. My partner has been here many times, but this last trip was a first for me. First off, parking on the street is plentiful (paid) but I highly recommend the Smart Park just a few blocks to the east. Feels like a much more secure location, plus there's a Blink EV Charge station available on the second floor (west side). It cost a little over 3 dollars for two hours on a Saturday, so very worth it. The garden itself is amazing. The entrance itself is entrancing and, after paying for entry, you step through into another formal entry area. From there you can enter the Hall of Brocade Clouds or step through a doorway and head towards the Knowing the Fish Pavillion. We went to the Hall and purchased some tea from the pop-up tea stand, as the tea hall itself is under renovation right now. I wanted to experience the garden while sipping tea and was not disappointed. The hall itself is amazing, gorgeously carved and gilded, with incredible chairs and windows looking out over the water, which is called Lake Zillow. There is a terrace just outside the north doors, but we opted instead to go back to the entrance and proceed towards the Pavillion. The carvings, openings, trees, plants, and art are beautiful and meaningful everywhere. My partner and I stopped often to just lean against a railing and look out the layout, the water, the carvings, and listen to the off and on rain that was coming on the November day we were there. From the Pavillion, we travelled around and Reflections in Clear Ripples hall. An example of a family alter of elders, as well as art by the artist Shirakawa was on display, and showed what a family meeting area would be like for a Chinese scholar. From there, we travelled the periphery of the garden to the Scholar's Courtyard and then the Scholar's Study. Beautiful art, plants, bonsai, and lanterns were present everywhere. The peace and calm in this area was amazing (marred only by the sound of revving engines outside the walls, trains going by, and, inexplicably, a guest of the garden whistling shrilly as they wandered. All things that we had no power over). The study has a layout of what the garden's owner would typically work, paint, and relax in. The ornate carvings, furniture, and design of the study were absolutely breathtaking. We moved from there to Flowers Bathing in Spring Rain, a patio on Lake Zillow, with some gorgeous wood carvings of six gardens from China that inspired Lan Su's construction. The intricacy and detail of these carvings could have kept us entranced for hours. From there, we made our way to the Moonlocking Pavilion, a small platform in the middle of the lake, where we sat for many minutes together, listening to the rain, gazing at the surroundings, and letting the peace of the area come to us. The idea that the pavilion design and it's reflection in the water help capture the moon and bring it's tranquility to earth was calming and lovely. As I said, the tea house was closed but the bonsai and greenery in front of it were gorgeous. By this time, the Garden was close to closing, so we passed by the Rock Mountain and Waterfall (which had turned off) and, though we noted how far back it went and how interesting it would be to explore, this was not an option for visitors. My favorite, though, was absolutely entering the Painted Boat in Misty Rain. A building on the lake that embodies the spirit of a slow river boat, with art inside reflecting the style of the region, and creating a sense that, at any moment, we could launch onto the water itself. The high ceiling, beautiful windows, and view onto the lake and the rest of the garden could have kept me there for hours. As it was, we had to move along rather quickly to keep from being "those people" as the Garden closed. We finished our tour by strolling along the Terrace we saw earlier, looking at the coy fish and listening to the rain drops on the water. We went back through the Hall of Brocade Clouds, which, now clear of the pop-up tea shop, gave me a better idea of what this room would look like with a well-off family entertaining guests and honored visitors. It was stunning and I've never wanted more in my life than to be a person who had the opportunity to mediate and produce art and scholarly works in this environment. When we left, it was a jarring shift to reality to come back out onto the grey streets of Portland, but the sense of calm, peace, and tranquility that we felt during our time in the garden stayed with us as we drove home to Salem. It was a beautiful day and a lovely place and I look forward to going back again soon. read more

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Absolutely loved the Lan Su Garden! Smack in the middle of downtown Portland's Chinatown, it's a literal oasis (which used to be a parking lot). Friends had invited me to join in on this gorgeous, sunny, yet very chilly, day. We went to check out the neat looking two-story Tea house first, before taking a free guided tour. Thoroughly enjoyed warming up with three different kinds of tea in clear glass pots in the upstairs seating area. After Tea, we took a tour with Dora & learned so many things about the architecture, the plants and trees, the floors, the shape of the buildings, & every tiny significant detail we would've overlooked. So much history and care went into this collaboration with China. It was very cold, so taking a break in the tea house, Gift shop or even in the heated very clean restroom on the far side across from the entrance was necessary. We had such a good time we joined as members. As members you get free entrance to many other places around the state. Such a good deal putting our entrance price towards it. I'll certainly be back! read more

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What a nice serene place smack dab in the middle of Downtown. It's street parking and thankfully it wasn't terribly difficult to find a spot. The front gate is locked and you will be buzzed in. You pay your fee at the ticket booth. You explore the grounds and enjoy the greenery and ambiance of it all. Unfortunately, when I visited there was scaffolding so it was a little bit of an eyesore. The brighter side, it just means I have to come back again to fully enjoy the beauty of the place. There is a small body of water in the middle and beautifully decorated architecture around. read more

Beautiful garden in downtown. I don't remember seeing a Chinese garden before this one is excellent. It's a good place to visit and relax. You can see it comfortably in an hour or less but you might want more time if you want to go to the tea house or have snacks. *Warning this is in a bad neighborhood with a lot of homeless around and broken glom the streets. read more

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Stopped by here while in Portland Old Town/Chinatown! We were pleasantly surprised by how this garden is like a little oasis in stark contrast to the surrounding neighborhood. Admission is $14, which is probably the main downside in that it's a bit pricey relative to the size of the garden. You could walk through briskly in about 15-20 minutes and "see" everything. However, if you're not in a rush, there's a lot of beauty to stroll through, and courtyards and nooks to peruse - you could stretch that out to a good hour, especially if you want to grab food/drink at the onsite teahouse as well. When we arrived, there was also a free tour starting (you could join/leave as you please) and there were other workshops being held in different locations for calligraphy, conversational Mandarin practice, etc. Overall, I wouldn't say it's a must-see in Portland, but it's worth a stop if you're already in the area and have some time! read more

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This is a beautiful, peaceful garden in the middle of the city. I love visiting here any time of year. Bring a book and sit with a cup of tea. read more

What a beautiful zen vibe. It was also pretty nice to have someone give us a tour. I would definitely recommend taking the tour if available. It is definitely a place of surreal vibes. All the staff was so friendly. read more

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Gorgeous scenery! I went for their new year celebration this year and a few other events before and each time I was taken by the beautiful and tranquility of this space and how they accomplish this while being in downtown Portland. read more