Bu-Tai-Tian “Not too Sweet” Dessert Nights Tickets go on sale Tuesday May 21st at 9 AM PDT
XOn display at Lan Su's Entrance Plaza from Feb. 2 to Mar. 2, 2024.
Carp to Dragon: The Transcending in Waves
This traditional Chinese handmade lantern sculpture is titled "Carp to Dragon: The Transcending in Waves" and it is inspired by the Chinese folktale "Carp Leaps Over the Dragon Gate."
In Chinese mythology, the Dragon Gate rests atop a waterfall that flows from a legendary mountain. While many carp swim against a river's strong current, only a few possess the capability or courage to attempt the extraordinary leap over the waterfall. According to legend, a carp that successfully swims upstream and leaps over the Dragon Gate undergoes a transformation into a dragon. Historically, this metaphor symbolized the elevation in status attained by a Chinese scholar after overcoming the rigorous levels of the Chinese civil exams. Around 500 years ago, a garden such as Lan Su would have been owned by an established scholar and their immediate family.
Chinese scholars likened themselves to the carp in this metaphor. Many of them originated from humble backgrounds and shaped their destinies by surmounting numerous difficulties and challenges, akin to the act of leaping over the Dragon Gate atop the waterfall. Broadly interpreted, successfully leaping over the Dragon Gate signifies the journey to alter one's destiny and evolve into a superior version of oneself, regardless of the form it takes.
Lan Su Chinese Garden is a proud participant in Museums for All program and now offers reduced rate admission at $3 per person to all EBT cardholders.
Become a volunteer at Portland's iconic Chinese garden! Over 100 volunteers support Lan Su's operations, cultural programs, horticulture, and garden upkeep.
Enjoy more time in the garden with exclusive hours just for Lan Su Members. Visit the Lan Su event calendar for times and to R.S.V.P.
239 Northwest Everett Street, Portland, Oregon 97209
Call Us: 503.228.8131
Lan Su Chinese Garden
38 NW Davis St #260, Portland, OR 97209
Members, donors and visitors help keep Lan Su healthy and growing. Lan Su is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations and memberships are tax deductible. Lan Su’s Federal Tax ID number (EIN) is 93-1296840.