Chinese New Year—Year of the Pig

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 through Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Enjoy special extended hours in the garden from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. during Chinese New Year (February 5 - 19, 2019). 

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 Tuesday, February 5 with "Rolling in the Wealth," a traditional good fortune and prosperity activity of rolling oranges and gold coins through Lan Su's front door (available to the first 100 visitors). Every guest visiting on February 5 will also receive a hong bao, or traditional lucky red envelope. 

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.

Lantern Viewing Evenings

The celebration ends with several nights of Lantern Viewing Evenings when the garden is illuminated with colorful lanterns and a lively dragon procession. Please note: a separate admission ticket is required for this event. Learn more & reserve your tickets today »

Valentines Day — February 14

Available to the first 200 visitors

Lan Su Chinese Garden would like to wish you a happy Valentine’s Day by presenting you with a traditional Chinese love token — the Chinese knot (available to the first 200 visitors). A Chinese knot is a braid of red brocade ribbon that signifies love and celebration. The Chinese character for “knot” is 結 [jié] and it can be interpreted as “to unite.” For centuries, the Chinese knot has been a token of love. It is a perfect gift for your partner or spouse, newlyweds, and it can be used as decoration for celebrations and festivals. Happy Valentine’s Day! 情人節快樂!

Chinese New Year at Lan Su features:

• Lion dances
• Local school performances
  
• Martial Arts performances
• Family friendly craft activities
• Cultural performances
• Chinese Folk Art
  
• the Chinese wishing tree
• and more!

Download a full schedule of Chinese New Year events »

Check the event calendar for a full schedule of events in the garden »

Community Events

Portland Chinatown Dragon Parade

Saturday, February 9 at 11 a.m.

Parade begins at NW Davis & NW 4th Ave.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with the Portland Chinatown Dragon Parade presented by the  Portland Chinatown Museum in collaboration with the Oregon Historical Society! PLEASE NOTE: The parade route leads through the Chinatown neighborhood surrounding the garden. The parade begins on NW Davis & NW 4th Avenue at 11 a.m.

Lunar New Year at Elk Cove Vineyards

Saturday, February 9 from 12-3 p.m.

27751 NW Olson Rd, Gaston, OR 97119

Join Elk Cove Vineyards for a special Lunar New Year celebration featuring food by Lucky Strike, White Lotus Lion Dance team, a display of hand made paper lanterns by HiiH Lights, traditional music and more all paired with Elk Cove wines. Elk Cove Vineyards is generously donating a portion of each ticket sale to Lan Su. For $15 off use code: LANSU Tickets are available for purchase in advance »

Chinese New Year Cultural Fair 

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King

Stop by the Lan Su booth at the Chinese New Year Cultural Fair, presented by the  Portland Chinese Times & Portland Art & Culture Center, at the Oregon Convention Center and say hi! The Cultural Fair celebration includes performances, family-friendly events, authentic food and a wide variety of vendors. Learn more»

The Chinese Zodiac - 2019 Year of the Pig

In accordance with the Chinese lunar calendar, the Year of the Pig begins on February 5, 2019 and ends January 24, 2020. You are a Pig if you were born in 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, or 2019.

Pigs have always been regarded as a strong symbol of abundance and wealth. Occupying the 12th and last position in the Chinese Zodiac, they represent a restful finishing point and the wish for another bountiful new beginning. In some parts of southern China, brides are even gifted with a golden necklace depicting a sow and her piglets that symbolizes fertility and well wishes for a big and happy family. 

The Pig's Strengths

People who born in the Year of the Pig are honest, chivalrous, compassionate, and generous. They have a calm appearance and strong will. They are kind to their loved ones. Generally speaking, Pigs are relatively unflustered when facing trouble. No matter how difficult the problems are that Pigs encounter, they can handle things properly and carefully. They have a great sense of responsibility to finish what they are engaged in. Pigs usually are wonderful friends; they are warm, trusty, and very easy-going.

Chinese New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden supported in part by

Herbert A. Templeton Foundation