Events
Chinese New Year—Year of the Dog
Learn more about Chinese New Year, the most colorful and joyous of all Chinese festivals during Lan Su's two-week celebration featuring lion dances, cultural performances, martial arts, calligraphy, family-friendly craft activities and much more! The festivities kick off Friday, February 16 with "Rolling in the Wealth," a traditional good fortune and prosperity activity of rolling oranges and gold coins through Lan Su's front door. Every guest visiting on February 16 will also receive a hong bao, or traditional lucky red envelope.
In celebration of the Year of the Dog, Lan Su Chinese Garden is partnering up with local non-profit animal rescues to bring you the Year of the Dog Fair on Saturday, February 17 & 24! If you plan to visit Lan Su Chinese Garden, LexiDog Boutique & Social Club will be offering free onsite pet sitting during the Year of the Dog Fair. Bring your four-legged best friend and join in the fun! PLEASE NOTE: The Year of the Dog Fair is located in the parking lot at NW 3rd Avenue and Flanders Street, one block north of the garden.The Year of The Dog Fair is free and open to the public, however entry to the garden requires membership or admission. Dogs are not allowed inside Lan Su Chinese Garden. Only service animals are permitted. Onsite pet sitting, provided by LexiDog Boutique & Social Club, is available during the Year of the Dog Fair (February 17 & 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) only and is based upon availability. Learn more about Lan Su's Year of the Dog Fair »
The celebration ends with several nights of Lantern Viewing Evenings when the garden is illuminated with colorful lanterns and a lively dragon procession. A separate admission ticket is required for this event. Learn more »
Tour the Historic Buildings of Chinatown
For the first time in Chinatown History, visitors can tour the private “Sacred Auditorium” and interiors of some of the most historic buildings of Chinese Tong and Chinese Association owned facilities in Old Town/Chinatown while also experiencing cultural activities, performances and a parade. Learn more about this special opportunity to tour the interiors of historic buildings and community gathering spaces of Portland's Chinatown »
Weekends during Chinese New Year feature:
- Lion dances
- Year of the Dog Fair Saturdays, February 17 & 24
- Community Parade Saturday, February 17
- Local school performances
- Martial Arts performances
- Family friendly craft activities
- Cultural performances
- Chinese Folk Art
- the Chinese wishing tree
- and more!
Weekdays offer a sneak peek at Lan Su's events and activities throughout the year, including Lan Su in Bloom, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Fun & Games, and more! Check the event calendar for a full schedule of events »
Please note: For the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff, entry may be limited at peak times of visitation to meet fire code regulations. Expect lines at times on opening day and weekend days. Plan for the most auspicious visit by purchasing admission tickets ahead of time and arriving early for your favorite activities.
The Chinese Zodiac - 2018 Year of the Dog
In accordance with the Chinese lunar calendar, the Year of the Dog begins on February 16, 2018 and ends March 2, 2018. You are a Dog if you were born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, or 2018.
Occupying the 11th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dog symbolizes character traits such as loyalty, compatibility and kindness. Dogs frequently offer kind words and useful advice, always listening and lending a shoulder when necessary. Ensuring others are happy is more important to the Dog than wealth, money or success.
The Dog's Strengths
Dogs are determined individuals; always wanting to master a new subject before moving on and always finishing what they start. Dogs value friendships; they’re loyal, honest, trustworthy and reliable and have strong morals and ethics.
A well-kept, organized home is very important. Keeping a clean home and helping at work stems from the Dog’s need to be active and involved. Dogs spend money wisely, passing on luxury goods in favor of practical items. Dogs also prefer saving money to cover future expenses.
Coworkers can always count on Dogs to help out, especially if it means the Dog will learn something new or alleviate the workload of others. Dogs are seen as valuable employees. Good career choices for Dogs include: police officer, scientist, counselor, interior designer, professor, politician, priest, nurse, clerk or judge.
Chinese New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden is sponsored by
and supported in part by
Herbert A. Templeton Foundation
Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust
Chinese New Year Event Schedule
Chinese New Year lasts for 16 days, and each day is packed with things to see and do. Download the full calendar of events here to start planning your visit.
Chinese New Year Lantern Viewing
Traditional lantern viewings close out Chinese New Year festivities, when the garden glows with hanging red lanterns and the lake reflects the light of large illuminated lantern sculptures. A dragon procession and special performances are all a part of these special evenings.
How to Make Your Own Red Envelope
Chinese red envelopes ( hong bao) are handy-sized paper envelopes that are presented to family and friends during the Chinese New Year. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck. Hong bao are traditionally filled with money and are given as well-wishing blessings for the New Year.
Become a Member
As a member, you and a guest may visit as frequently as you like. Enjoy discounts on Lantern Viewing tickets and other special events, discounts in the Teahouse and Garden Shop plus so much more.
