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    Lan Su Chinese Garden

    4.4 (739 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

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    Melanie N.

    This is a great place to come and relax if you're in the downtown area. It's very pretty and requires that you forget what is right outside its walls. If you haven't gone, I do suggest it, I do think it's a bit overpriced and would say to check if they have any special festivities or presentations happening. Unfortunately I missed the dragon dancing when I went but was able to catch a Tai Chi demonstration. The one thing I wasn't too keen about was that they had a tour going on that was rather large. It did impede others from seeing an area for quite some time and I did see that people were a bit irritated over that.

    Nicole R.

    Lovely little oasis in the city but it's in a not great part of downtown. The ticket price is also pretty steep for the size of the garden. It is a beautiful garden though with a lot of koi fish and a teahouse.

    Temporary crow visitor outside the garden
    John K.

    Though I don't work nearby anymore, my Lan Su membership is a wonderful thing to have. Dropping by any time I find myself downtown is always fun. No matter what time of year, there always seems to be something in bloom. As you enter, the very first thing you can do is turn left, or right, going clockwise or counterclockwise through the garden. I try to remember to change regularly, so that different views will stand out on each visit. Be sure to bring a camera, or two - coming home to review a mixture of wide angles and tiny details makes you appreciate how special this garden is.

    Karen A.

    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!

    Pond
    Gwen Z.

    A members appreciation night, and collaboration with KMHD Jazz radio. Gorgeous evening of music, lotus flowers, and serenity.

    Nevaeh S.

    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.

    Garden
    Vince P.

    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!

    The flowers were in bloom
    Ryan T.

    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.

    Selina L.

    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!

    Nin A.

    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!

    Aarone M.

    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.

    Alexis W.

    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!

    Shawn B.

    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.

    View from cafe

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    10 months ago

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

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    Lan Su Chinese Garden Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Lan Su Chinese Garden

    Is the Chinese Garden in a safe part of downtown Portland? Can I walk directly from Union Station to the garden safely?

    I would say yes. That is six blocks. You will have to pass homeless people, but they are usually harmless.

    How much is it for adults?Where can I purchase tickets?

    Our admission rates change seasonally. To see our current admission rates and to purchase tickets please visit us online at https://lansugarden.org/visit/hours-admission/ Tickets can also be purchased on the day of your visit or in advance in the… 

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    Review Highlights - Lan Su Chinese Garden

    The best part of this garden was sitting down for tea in the tea house and our order of steamed veggie buns.

    Mentioned in 168 reviews

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