1. The gardens are beautiful. The Lu San Chinese Garden, located in Portland, features rare plants native to China, Koi ponds and decorative stonework. The koi are beautiful. They come in a variety sizes, colors and patterns. Formerly known as the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, the property is walled off enclosing a full city block. The gardens are authentic, modeled after the Ming Dynasty gardens of China. According to their website one of the best times to visit is when it’s raining (which happens a lot in Portland). Here are 8 reasons to visit Lan Su in the rain. As you might expect this place is very peaceful. So, in addition to being a wonder tourist destination, it is also a lovely place to just sit and think or meditate. If you are looking for a place to disconnect from the world and just “be” – this is it (of course that will work better if you turn off your cell phone or at least put it on airplane mode).
2. There is more to do here than you might think. They host events celebrating important holidays on the Chinese calendar, tours, classes and demonstrations. During my visit upcoming workshops included Chinese paper cutting, calligraphy and photography. Sadly I was here a couple of weeks to early to attend the Autumn Moon Festival which this year will be held Saturday, September 30th and Sunday, October 1st. Lan Su also hosts several artists each year. Exhibitions of their work are shown in the pavilions of the garden. They also have a cute shop with nice gift options at decent prices.
Photo courtesy of the Lu San Chinese Gardens website
3. Tea. Portland based tea company The Tao of Tea operates a teahouse in the Tower of Cosmic Reflections. Here you can relax while sipping tea with a view of the garden. Traditional Chinese tea serving styles are observed as are their tea selections which include: white, green, oolong, pu-er, black and herbal teas. I had Jasmine Pearl tea, Red Beans Mooncake and Taoist Delight noodles with firebird (roasted turkey). My food was served in a timely manner. The noodle dish was well seasoned and the moomcake was lovely. I typically add sugar to my tea, but no sugar was needed with the Jasmine Pearl tea. It has this lovely hint of sweetness that was just perfect on it’s own.
The Lan Su Chinese Gardens are located in Portland, Oregon (USA). For more information including hours, ticket prices, location and a full schedule of events visit their website: http://www.lansugarden.org/
Travel, Tea & Me 