Dongzhi (冬至) means winter is coming. Also known as "Chinese Thanksgiving Day", Dongzhi is winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. The official date is December 22, 2023.
An important traditional festival in China, Dongzhi dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Festival activities include worshiping heaven, the earth, and ancestors, counting nines, eating traditional winter solstice foods, and wishing for a great harvest and good fortune in the coming year. In modern times, Dongzhi Festival is a time for a family reunion and reunion dinner.
Traditional foods eaten in China during Dongzhi are dumplings (North) and tangyuan (South). Eating ear-shaped dumplings is believed to maintain good health. Fun Fact: Legend has it that ear-shaped dumplings will protect ears from being frostbitten.
Tangyuan is mainly eaten in south China. Tangyuan is a small round ball made of glutinous rice flour with sesame, red bean paste, and sweets. It is made in pink or white color and is often served in a bowl with a sweet soup. Yuan means reunion and perfect in Chinese, therefore Tangyuan symbolizes family reunion and prosperity.
Weekends in December
Saturdays 12/09 & 12/16 and Sundays 12/10 & 12/17, 1:00-3:00 pm.
Are you Team Tangyuan or Team Jiaozi? Celebrate Dongzhi's vibrant traditions at Lan Su Chinese Garden! Get your tangyuan vs. jiaozi ballot and dive into the festive flavors. Taste both and vote for your favorite!
FREE WITH LAN SU ADMISSION
Saturday 12/16 and Sunday 12/17, 1:00-3:00 pm
According to Chinese solar terms, spring arrives 81 days after Dongzhi. During this time, Chinese scholars would paint 81 plum blossom petals in special paintings. Take an activity sheet home with you and start coloring one petal every day from Dongzhi (December 22) and look forward to Spring!
FREE WITH LAN SU ADMISSION
Saturday 12/16 and Sunday 12/17, 1:00-3:00 pm
The ancient Chinese developed a tradition of worshipping their ancestors during winter solstice to show their filial piety and to remember their roots. Learn more about the rituals and customs of different regions, and receive a small offering of joss sticks.
FREE WITH LAN SU ADMISSION
Winter Solstice Weekend, Special Extended Hours until 7:00 p.m.!
Friday 12/22 and Saturday 12/23
Join us for an unforgettable Dongzhi evening and Light-Up Lan Su! Transform the garden into a dazzling wonderland of lights and community spirit. Enjoy traditional flavors of Dongzhi and live music.
FREE WITH LAN SU ADMISSION
DONGZHI: Tangyuan Vs. Jiaozi - 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
LONGING FOR SPRING - 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
CUSTOMS OF DONGZHI DEMO - 2:00 - 7:00 p.m.
CAPTURING MOMENTS: Photo-op with Your Favorite Tangyuan or Jiaozi - 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
LIGHT-UP LAN SU! - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC - 4:00 - 6:45 p.m.
Be sure to stop by the Celestial Home of Permeating Fragrance (Scholar’s Study) to check out our Qing Gong seasonal winter display, brought to you by Lan Su's Horticulture department.
For as little as $60 a year enjoy unlimited visits to Lan Su, 10% off at the Garden Shop and Garden Teahouse (exclusions apply) and member pricing on special events like Lunar New Year Lantern Viewing Evenings.
Become a volunteer at Portland's iconic Chinese garden! Over 100 volunteers support Lan Su's operations, cultural programs, horticulture, and garden upkeep.
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.