Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Lan Su Chinese Garden

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

    Lan Su Chinese Garden Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Lan Su Chinese Garden

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    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

    See all

    22 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    27 days ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    22 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    29 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 38
    Thanks 11
    Love this 34
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim G.
    1114
    2765
    22508

    2 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 2
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Zack F.
    1
    49
    25

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 2
    Love this 18
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris E.
    35
    444
    168

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 19

    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… 

    View All 3 Questions

    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

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Portland Japanese Garden - 3/14/2025 - I came in to see an amazing koto performance by Mitsuki Dazai.

    Portland Japanese Garden

    4.3(1.5k reviews)
    1.8 miSouthwest Portland

    Been a good few years since I visited the Japanese Gardens, and a lot has changed. But wow if they…read morearen't still worth a visit. The plants and water features are outstanding, and it is such a delight to just wander around and soak it all in. Really, what can I say that hasn't been said by many other visitors? If you aren't captivated by the running water, the intricate rock gardens, or the lovely koi fish, then there is something wrong with you. This is such a gorgeous gem, and a must-see attraction in Portland, especially if you are already wandering around the Washington Park area. Some of the changes in the years since I visited are a whole new entranceway, with an amazing water foundtain. Plus, a redesigned plaza with new gift shop, cafe, and a library. Oh, and speaking of the the cafe, do try out some of the excellent teas and Japanese snacks on offer here. Plus, all the staff and docents working here were very friendly and helpful. As for a few things to be aware of: First, the parking situation is a pain. There are pay-to-park spots, but not enough for the crowds. So you should really plan to either walk over to the gardens from somewhere else in the park, or take the park shuttle service. Also, as some have also noted, the number of people visiting can sort of harsh the serenity a bit. So do your part, and be a courteous visitor, and try to keep things mellow, chill, and quiet enough for others to also enjoy. In a city so full of other gorgeous gardens, I have to say these stand out. It's a city favorite for a reason.

    We had a lovely day to visit the Japanese Garden. There is a good amount of walking with stairs…read more(sometimes steep) so if that's not easy for you this might be a challenge. There was a shuttle available to get you up to the top if needed. We had an iced tea at the beautiful Umami Cafe - both the honey lavender spice and the Mugicha were absolutely delicious. The staff were all very welcoming and helpful. Sitting out on the patio was lovely. We kind of wandered the gardens in a big circle. My favorite area was the natural garden. The view of Mt. Hood from the pavilion observation deck was a nice bonus. I think to make the most of your experience you should plan to just meander and enjoy nature, and take your time. It's not a huge property, so you can take time to really soak it all in and still cover it all. We also walked through the rose gardens before we left. We went on a Friday afternoon and it was very challenging to find parking - we parked about a 1/2 mile down the road past the playground, so it was a bit of a hike. By the end of our visit many spots had opened up closer to the garden entrance.

    Photos
    Portland Japanese Garden - "kintsugi" Japanese restoration

    "kintsugi" Japanese restoration

    Portland Japanese Garden - "kintsugi" Japanese restoration

    "kintsugi" Japanese restoration

    Portland Japanese Garden - Inside the Japanese Garden

    See all

    Inside the Japanese Garden

    International Rose Test Garden - 8/7/25. Oh Rose City, you have my heart.

    International Rose Test Garden

    4.7(923 reviews)
    1.6 miSouthwest Portland

    As the oldest continuously operated rose test garden in the US, this stunning landmark perfectly…read morecaptures why Portland rightfully earned the title "City of Roses." It's a quintessential PNW experience that showcases an incredible blend of local history, horticulture, and scenic beauty. Admission to the garden is completely free, spanning over 4 acres and featuring more than 600 distinct rose varieties. Beyond the beautifully manicured rows of blooming roses, exploring the active testing grounds offers a glimpse into experimental roses being evaluated before potentially hitting commercial markets. It's a beautiful setting whether you're visiting for a photoshoot, a romantic date, or simply taking in a foundational aspect of Portland culture. Logistics Tip: Visiting on a weekday afternoon still draws massive crowds, making vehicle parking near the top lots difficult to secure. Plan to circle down towards the lower lots for open spots and pay via the Parking Kitty app.

    International Rose Test Garden Portland's Rose-Colored Calling Card…read more This place goes from A to Z and apparently they're working on the whole alphabet of roses! More than 10,000 rose bushes and over 610 varieties fill the International Rose Test Garden, including some seriously beautiful colors and varieties you probably didn't even know existed. And yes, you'll even find roses that are so dark they look almost black. It's absolutely gorgeous. I happened to visit when Portland was putting on its best hot-and-muggy summer impression, and the garden was packed with tourists. But honestly, once you're surrounded by all those roses, the heat and crowds become part of the experience. The garden has been around since 1917 and was originally created as a safe haven for European roses during World War I. Today, it's the oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, and new varieties are still tested here before they hit the market. The location is hard to beat, too. You're right in Washington Park, with the Portland Japanese Garden practically next door, the Oregon Zoo nearby, and plenty of trails and other attractions throughout the park. You can easily make a whole afternoon out of it without driving all over Portland. Best of all, the Rose Garden is free. If you're in Portland during the summer, stop and smell the roses literally. This is one of those places that reminds you why they call Portland the Rose City.

    Photos
    International Rose Test Garden - Purple roses

    Purple roses

    International Rose Test Garden
    International Rose Test Garden

    See all

    Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden - Rhododendron foliage in the morning fog, with the high bridge in the background

    Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

    4.5(189 reviews)
    3.6 miEastmoreland, Southeast Portland

    Beautiful | wildlife | many photo ops…read more This is a beautiful little gem to visit if you're visiting Portland. It's like Hoyt Arboretum combined with the Japanese Tea Garden. We paid $9 for each adult and $6 for our 8yr old (our 23mo old was free). We stayed about an hour to explore with our kids. There is a little parking lot out front that was pretty full, but we were lucky to find one person leaving when we arrived. Across the street is Reed College, so I am unsure where there is extra parking for most visitors. A wedding was happening while we were visiting. This place is really a perfect venue for weddings just like Hoyt Arboretum. They closed off a portion of the park to host the wedding. There are restrooms open while the wedding was happening. What I loved about this park that sets it apart from Hoyt is the views of a lake and family waterfall. The walkway is nice so you can view the lake filled with ducks, herons, and beavers! I spotted some tadpoles and beautiful birds out and about. A special thing during our visit was seeing a bald eagle nesting in the tall tree with its baby. SO CUTE and SPECIAL! This park offers a lot of opportunities to wander and view some great scenery. It's well maintained and has plenty of shade throughout. Some areas are family friendly but I'd say to keep a close eye on your toddlers around the pond. Bring a camera. Lots of great views. Very peaceful. Would love to come back here again, especially during fall for vibrant colors.

    We didn't have access to a large part of the park even though we were charged full price. This…read moreseems greedy and unprofessional. My girlfriend had to go to the restroom and I waited for her outside with our dog. This extremely rude employee named Milo came by and insisted that I move to another area because we were close to the event entrance. I told him that we were far enough behind the sign and he doubled down on being impolite and aggressive. Avoid this park as it is a waste of money and time. We came here on a Saturday after driving for about half an hour and should have gone elsewhere instead.

    Photos
    Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden - Dog Friendly

    Dog Friendly

    Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
    Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

    See all

    Pittock Mansion

    Pittock Mansion

    4.4(516 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    Pittock Mansion viewpoint is absolutely stunning and a place that makes you just stop and stare for…read morea second (or ten). Perched above Portland, it gives you that sweeping city + mountain view that feels almost unreal on a clear day. Fun fact: the mansion was built in 1914 for Henry and Georgiana Pittock, and it played a big role in Portland's early publishing history. Another fun one... it was nearly destroyed in the 1962 Columbus Day Storm but was fully restored, which feels very fitting for something this iconic. Gorgeous, peaceful, and 100 percent worth the stop.

    This place is a MUST SEE when visiting Portland! I was shocked by how special and beautiful the…read moremansion and grounds were. If you are interested in interior decor/architecture/history the self guided tour of the mansion is a must! The spaces were beautiful and I learned so much about Portland. The organization who runs the house has done an amazing job maintaining and displaying this magical home. The grounds are also incredible (and free, although parking is paid), and worth seeing just for the view. The gardens are maintained by UofO gardening students and they have done a great job. All together I think we spent about $60 to see the tour and the gardens and it was well worth it. The staff was knowledgeable and loved talking about the homes and the residents! I also appreciate the tour being self guided so we could go at our pace.

    Photos
    Pittock Mansion - Lovely gardens

    Lovely gardens

    Pittock Mansion
    Pittock Mansion

    See all

    Washington Park - 4.4.2019

    Washington Park

    4.7(198 reviews)
    2.3 miSouthwest Portland

    Washington Park (in Oregon) is way more than a park -- it's mini attractions with the park -…read moreresidential area. So, within the "park", there's Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, International Rose Test Garden, and Children's Museum -- all require admission feee. The park and trails are free. Washington Park is hands-down one of the most incredible urban parks but I only had time to check out Portland Japanese Garden (separate review). I did walk the perimeter of the Hoyt ArboretumFor hikers and nature lovers, this is a gem.Washington Park has a free shuttle that loops around all the major attractions (seasonal). Parking can be a little tricky during peak times, so plan ahead or take public transit. The cool thing is getting around Washington Park -- there's free shuttle that's takes you to all these places within the park so you don't have to stress about limiting parking spots. Yelp Tip:There are plenty of quiet spots with tables and open lawns to relax between visits -- so do a picnic. Highly recommend carving out time in your Portland trip to explore it properly.

    Huge forested park on the west side of the city. It's near our hotel and always beautiful…read more Trails and rose garden make this special. Places for kids to Play and families to picnic. Also, the new water retention pond is nearly finished and will provide a unique place for people enjoy the sounds of water and all for practical purposes while being aesthetically pleasing. Rose garden was in full bloom and had to Take some pics as usual. Definitely a great place to visit regardless of time of year.

    Photos
    Washington Park
    Washington Park
    Washington Park

    See all

    Lan Su Chinese Garden - gardens - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...