#PlantWednesday Spotlight
2025-12-10 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-17 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-24 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-31 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-07 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-14 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-21 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-28 11:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) and 2 more dates | Lan Su Chinese Garden, 239 NW Everett Street, Portland, OR, 97209, United States
Join our horticulture team every Wednesday for a tour diving into a plant in its peak, gardening tips, and more.

Wednesdays, 11-11:30 AM | Free with admission or membership

The #PlantWednesday Spotlight is a unique “show & tell” program featuring different captivating topics every month. Meet Lan Su’s horticulture team each Wednesday to explore, learn, and connect with the natural beauty of Lan Su. These are short 30-min sessions that showcase a horticultural wonder, technique, or tool that our passionate horticulturists want to share with fellow plant enthusiasts. Each session will shine a light on the behind-the-scenes operations of the garden, highlight a plant at its peak beauty, or focus on recent improvements to our collection.

Each session will explore a different part of the garden based on that week’s topic. When you arrive, please check in with the front door staff or volunteers for the exact location to meet in.

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This program is FREE with garden admission or membership. No registration needed.

Warm Hearts, Warm Ears: The Story of Dumplings
2025-12-13 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-14 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-20 11:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-21 11:00 - 15:00
You love dumplings—but do you know where they come from? At the Lan Su Chinese Garden Dongzhi celebration, uncover the tale of compassion and cleverness wrapped inside every dumpling.

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Nourishing the Body and Mind: Tea Chat with Tea Master Eric
2025-12-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-20 13:00 - 14:00
This season let’s step into Lan Su to experience the gentle side of winter. Discover how ancient Chinese scholars cultivated health and happiness with tea.

Meet Tea Master:

In the last 15 years, Eric Arthur has journeyed from hating tea, being surprised by it, to obsessing over it. While hosting tea tastings, he blends the knowledge, lore, grace, and fun of tea to perfection. His skill in pouring tea is heavily influenced by being a practitioner of Tai Chi for 20+ years, moving and partnering with the leaf and its energy. Come spend an hour being surprised, or find a new obsession with tea and tea service!

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Scent and Seal: An Incense Art Experience (打香篆)
2025-12-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-12-21 10:00 - 11:00
Incense seal making is a refined way of burning incense. Using special tools, participants gently smooth the ash and press a mold to create intricate incense patterns. The process is both calming and creative. Join us to discover how Chinese scholars transformed this simple ritual into a moment of peace and inspiration.

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Scholar’s Centerpiece: Exploring Qing Gong (清供)
2025-12-14 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-21 13:00 - 14:00
Qing Gong (清供), also known as “pure offering” is the cultivated expression of a scholar’s taste, creativity, and cultural refinement. The theme of this particular Qing Gong is 光輝歲月 “Radiant Years”. This display is a collection of scholarly and aesthetic items that someone in their peak years would have been proud of. Lan Su’s Curator of Horticulture, Josie, will be explaining the intention behind the elements included.

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Feng Shui for a Lucky New Year
2026-01-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-30 12:00 - 13:00
Fridays, January 16, 23, & 30 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Free with admission or membership

Join Gwynne of 10,000 Blessings Feng Shui and prepare for an auspicious new year! Learn Feng Shui techniques to invite fresh energy and support a calm mind, body, and spirit in the forthcoming fast and furious year of the Fire Horse.

Drop in for one workshop, or join us for the full series of three unique sessions!

Jump to a session:

January 16: Prepare Your Home and Personal Energy to Welcome the Lunar New Year

January 23: Lunar New Year Customs, Celebrations, & Ceremonies

January 30: Feng Shui Forecasts & Remedies for the Year of the Fire Horse

About the Presenter

Gwynne Warner-Donavon is the visionary of 10,000 Blessings Feng Shui and helps people consciously create beautiful, fresh, and shimmering living, working, and sacred spaces that are energetically aligned with their heart’s deepest wishes and magnetic to good fortune.

She offers bespoke services both on-site and virtually, nationally and internationally offering Feng Shui Readings for homes, businesses, and lifestyles; Cleansing and Blessing Ceremonies; Altarscaping; Bagua Mapping; Sacred Space Styling; Kuan Yin Ceremonies and Divination; Meditation; Yang Sheng guidance; and Auspicious Date Selection.

Gwynne is an accredited Red Ribbon Professional with the International Feng Shui Guild. You can find her offerings, free gifts, and blog at www.10000BlessingsFengShui.com

Series Topics

Prepare Your Home and Personal Energy to Welcome the Lunar New Year

Friday, January 16 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Free with admission or membership

Let go of any exhausted, stressed, or stagnant energies from the Year of the Snake, and get ready to welcome fresh new vitality and auspicious new beginnings! You’ll learn simple yet potent ways to prepare for the Festival, such as readying your mindset, kitchen, home, car, wallet, purse, and so much more. Includes a small take-home gift.

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Lunar New Year Customs, Celebrations, & Ceremonies

Friday, January 23 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Free with admission or membership

Feel exhilarated and renewed with the New Moon to Full Moon journey of the Lunar New Year Festival with beautiful and auspicious customs, ceremonies, and celebrations offering hope and spring! You’ll learn ways to make the very most of your Lunar New Year’s Eve and Day as well as how to celebrate Lap Chun, how to honor the God of Wealth’s birthday, when to “Send Away the Ghost of Poverty” and drink “Open Luck Tea,” and so much more! Includes a small take-home gift.

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Feng Shui Forecasts & Remedies for the Year of the Fire Horse

Friday, January 30 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Free with admission or membership

Come enjoy forecasts and predictions from Asian Feng Shui masters as well as suggested Feng Shui remedies and enhancements to bring you a most auspicious year! We’ll also have a peek at the forecast for each of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals so you can feel empowered to meet the Year of the Fire Horse. Includes a small take-home gift.

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Intangible Cultural Heritage Artists at Lan Su
2026-02-14 10:00 - 16:00
“This dragon is made of sugar! This tiger is made of flour!”

As Lunar New Year approaches, experience an exceptionally rare cultural encounter at Lan Su Chinese Garden. For one day only, nationally recognized inheritors of China’s intangible cultural heritage will present living folk traditions seldom seen outside China.

Watch molten sugar transformed into shimmering dragons, intricate dough sculptures shaped into opera heroes and mythical beings, and exquisitely detailed Beijing bristle dolls painted entirely by hand. These master artists—whose works are collected by major museums and celebrated around the world—will create each piece live before your eyes. Enjoy tastings, demonstrations, and close-up conversations with the grand masters, all included with admission.

This special appearance is made possible through our partner, the China Center of International Cultural Exchange & Tourism Promotion.

Meet the Artists

Bai Lin – Beijing Bristle Doll (Zongren)

Bai Lin is a leading Beijing Bristle Doll inheritor and museum curator who has long dedicated himself to preserving and innovating China’s intangible cultural heritage. With extensive collaboration with national cultural agencies, international cultural exchange in over 30 countries, and active involvement in public-benefit programs, he promotes heritage education for youth and employment support for people with disabilities. His refined Bristle Doll craft is widely recognized, and his works are collected by major museums in China and abroad.

Su Xu – Traditional Dough Sculpture

Su Xu, Representative Inheritor of Linfen Dough Sculpture and First-Class Arts and Crafts Master, is a versatile artist known for his miniature works spanning traditional figures, opera characters, mythological themes, flora and fauna, and contemporary portraits. A member of national and provincial folk art associations and a “Sanjin Talents” young outstanding talent, he grew up immersed in family tradition and later became a professional dough sculptor. His piece Night Reading of Spring and Autumn won the Gold Award at the 2015 Beijing Guoan International Folk Art Expo, and he has promoted the craft through media appearances such as Beijing Television’s Seven Colors of Light. Since 2016, he has represented Chinese folk art in international cultural exchange programs across Russia, the Netherlands, the UAE, France, and other countries.

Qi Yingying – Beijing Kite

Qi Yingying, a Beijing Folk Craft Master, has devoted herself to preserving the traditional art of Beijing kites since 2014, studying under renowned master Luo Huanwen (“Kite Luo”). Through years of rigorous training and refinement of the essential skills of painting, framing, pasting, and flying, she has developed a distinctive artistic style and exceptional craftsmanship across hard-wing, soft-wing, flat, and umbrella-wing kites. Her lifelike creations have earned broad recognition, including the Excellence Award at the 2019 “Beijing Gifts” Competition, and her works are collected by public and private museums in France, Germany, Thailand, and beyond. She has also been highly received in cultural exchange programs in Hong Kong and Macau.

Liu Tao – Traditional Sugar Painting

Liu Tao, a new-generation sugar painting artist and officially recognized intangible cultural heritage inheritor, was born in 1988 in Fuyang and is now based in Suzhou. Deeply influenced by traditional arts from a young age, he began learning his family’s sugar-painting craft at 16 and later traveled nationwide to study carving, ultimately merging sugar painting and sugar blowing into his signature 3D sugar sculptures. He has twice appeared on CCTV with his mentors and has represented the “Old Beijing Sugar Painting” tradition in Thailand, Cuba, the UAE, France, and other countries. Recognized in 2019 as an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage and honored as a “Top Master” on Jilin TV’s Gao Shou Zai Min Jian, his work has been widely covered by major media.

Parking & Directions

Free Lan Su Parking

There is free first come, first served parking in our sister lot next to the garden at 424 NW Third Avenue. Additional metered parking and garages are available on surrounding streets.

Lunar New Year Opening Day
2026-02-17 09:00 - 16:30
Kick off Lunar New Year at Lan Su with a packed day of fun cultural traditions for the whole family! We’re starting the Year of the Horse in style, with mini horses, a lion dance, calligraphy and more to help you welcome a fresh year and prosperous energy.

Come celebrate Lunar New Year at Lan Su and help support a full year of cultural exploration for the whole community!

Opening Day Activities

Caishen Gifting Hongbao

9:00 – 9:45 AM

In Chinese tradition, the arrival of Caishen (財神) marks one of the most joyful moments of Lunar New Year — a time to invite abundance, good fortune, and prosperity into the year ahead. The first 500 visitors to Lan Su on opening day will receive free red envelopes directly from the God of Wealth — a symbolic wish for protection, happiness, and a bright start to the Year of the Horse.

Lion Dance Performance

9:45 AM

Enjoy an energetic lion dance performance by Portland Lee’s Association to welcome good fortune into your year! Use the link above to see more scheduled lion dances throughout the celebration.

Zodiac Animal Ceremony + Mini Horse Meet & Greet

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Get to know the zodiac symbols of the year in friendly, miniature form. Be sure to join us early at 11 AM for a special zodiac animals ceremony with one of last year’s incredible live snakes from Creature Teachers. We’ll say goodbye to the Year of the Snake and hello Year of the Horse!

Chinese Calligraphy

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Calligraphy is a revered art form that has existed for thousands of years and is considered a high art in Chinese culture. To welcome Year of the Horse, drop in anytime during the scheduled demonstrations to learn more about this art and watch calligraphers share techniques of this ancient art.

Family Craft Activities

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Dive into the Suzhou Experience Kit, just arrived from our sister city! Explore the iconic culture of the very place that inspired Lan Su Chinese Garden’s design, while creating a stamped card or print to take home with you.

Admission Rates | Parking & Directions

Lunar New Year Admission Rates

Lan Su Members & Guests: FREE

Adult: $17.95

Senior (62+) or Student (18+ with ID): $15.95

Youth (6-18 yr): $13.95

Child (5 yr & under): FREE

Note: A $0.95 service fee is reflected in each paid admission.

Discounted Admission Offers

EBT/WIC Cardholders

Discounted admission of $5.00 per person is available for up to four individuals per EBT card. To claim this offer, please present your EBT/WIC card and a valid form of photo ID at the Ticket Booth.

Veterans & Military

We offer $2 off admission for active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate family members with valid ID. The discount must be redeemed in person at the Ticket Booth.

Parking & Directions

Free Lan Su Parking

There is free first come, first served parking in our sister lot next to the garden at 424 NW Third Avenue. Additional metered parking and garages are available on surrounding streets.

Mini Horse Meet & Greet
2026-02-17 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-20 11:00 - 13:00
Opening Day: Tuesday, February 17 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Fridays, February 20, 27, & March 6 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Meet the zodiac stars of the year up close and in person! Join Loki and friends at Lan Su Chinese Garden as we gallop into the Year of the Horse, welcoming good fortune, joy, and a little extra Lunar New Year magic.

Visitors can pet the miniature horses, snap photos, and create heart-melting memories to take home. These gentle, friendly animals are the perfect introduction to horses—especially for young children—offering a calm, non-intimidating way to connect with these beloved zodiac symbols.

Come neigh into the new year with us and boldly blaze into the Year of the Fire Horse!

Note: This is a very popular activity, so lines can be long. Please prepare your group accordingly. The line will close at 1:00 PM.

Admission Rates | Parking & Directions

Lunar New Year Admission Rates

Lan Su Members & Guests: FREE

Adult: $17.95

Senior (62+) or Student (18+ with ID): $15.95

Youth (6-18 yr): $13.95

Child (5 yr & under): FREE

Note: A $0.95 service fee is reflected in each paid admission.

Discounted Admission Offers

EBT/WIC Cardholders

Discounted admission of $5.00 per person is available for up to four individuals per EBT card. To claim this offer, please present your EBT/WIC card and a valid form of photo ID at the Ticket Booth.

Veterans & Military

We offer $2 off admission for active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate family members with valid ID. The discount must be redeemed in person at the Ticket Booth.

Parking & Directions

Free Lan Su Parking

There is free first come, first served parking in our sister lot next to the garden at 424 NW Third Avenue. Additional metered parking and garages are available on surrounding streets.

Family Craft Activities
2026-02-17 11:00 - 15:00
Celebrate Lunar New Year with hands-on creativity the whole family can enjoy! Our Family Craft Activities invite kids and adults alike to explore traditional art forms and cultural symbols through fun, interactive projects.

For opening day, we’re diving into the gardens of Suzhou with beautiful stamps sent from our sister city. Choose your favorite and make a Lunar New Year card to take home and display or share with someone special.

Chinese Calligraphy
2026-02-17 11:00 - 16:00
Calligraphy is a revered art form that has existed for thousands of years and is considered a high art in Chinese culture. To welcome Year of the Horse, drop in anytime during the scheduled demonstrations to learn more about this art and watch calligraphers share techniques of this ancient practice.

Admission Rates | Parking & Directions

Meet the Calligrapher

Louis Lim was born in Mauritius. He graduated from South China Agriculture University in China and taught biology, music and calligraphy at a high school in China for about 10 years. He also plays several different Chinese musical instruments including the erhu and pipa. His favorite past time is doing Chinese calligraphy.

Lunar New Year Admission Rates

Lan Su Members & Guests: FREE

Adult: $17.95

Senior (62+) or Student (18+ with ID): $15.95

Youth (6-18 yr): $13.95

Child (5 yr & under): FREE

Note: A $0.95 service fee is reflected in each paid admission.

Discounted Admission Offers

EBT/WIC Cardholders

Discounted admission of $5.00 per person is available for up to four individuals per EBT/WIC card. To claim this offer, please present your EBT/WIC card and a valid form of photo ID at the Ticket Booth.

Veterans & Military

We offer $2 off admission for active-duty military, veterans, and their immediate family members with valid ID. The discount must be redeemed in person at the Ticket Booth.

Parking & Directions

Free Lan Su Parking

There is free first come, first served parking in our sister lot next to the garden at 424 NW Third Avenue. Additional metered parking and garages are available on surrounding streets.

#PlantWednesday Spotlight: Mosses, Liverworts, and Lichens
2026-02-18 11:00 - 11:30
Photo by Lan Su member Charlie Zhang

Free with admission or membership

The #PlantWednesday Spotlight is a unique “show & tell” program featuring different captivating topics every month. On February 18 and 25, Lan Su Gardener Sara will help examine a much overlooked topic—mosses, liverworts, and lichens. Explore the differences between these organism groups, see some of our most prized moss species throughout the garden, and learn about moss cultivation efforts at Lan Su Chinese Garden.

When you arrive, please check in with the front door staff or volunteers for the exact location to meet in.

Get Admission
