Explore Chinese tea culture through guided tastings
Seasonal teas, traditional brewing, centuries of history
Weekends through May 31
In 2025, Lan Su Chinese Garden proudly celebrates 25 years of connection, culture, and community.
Lan Su means something different to everyone—just like the Chinese word yuan, which holds many meanings. Some of the ones that inspire us are:
圓: A full circle—like former students now bringing their children here
源: A source of authentic Chinese culture in Oregon
緣: The fate that brings people together
園: A cherished garden—Lan Su Yuan
No matter which “yuan” brought you to Lan Su, we invite you to join us in honoring our past, celebrating our present, and growing our future together.
Thank you for helping us become so much #MoreThanAGarden!
Join the Celebration
We’ll be celebrating throughout September 2025 and beyond. There’s never been a better time to rediscover all Lan Su has to offer!
Note: We will close at 3 PM on Friday, September 12, to prepare for the gala.
Back-in-Time Admission
Saturday, Sept. 13 & Sunday, Sept. 14
Celebrate 25 years of Lan Su with retro admission of just $6 per person—the same price as when we first opened in 2000!
Admission is still free for Lan Su members and kids under 5.
EBT cardholders can still get $5 admission with proof of eligibility.
Bring the Lan to You: Orchid Arrangement Display & Pop-up Sale
Friday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 14
Explore exquisite orchid displays inspired by classical Chinese garden principles and displayed as living works of art. Plus, browse a selection of orchids to bring a piece of this beauty home with you.
Lan Su 25: Then & Now Photo Exhibit
September 11-21, 2025
Step into Lan Su’s story through side-by-side photographs capturing our journey from the garden’s early days to today. We’ll also be showcasing physical items like the tools used in our original construction.
Honoring Ms. He Fengchun at Lan Su’s 25th Anniversary
Friday, Sept. 12 | 10–10:30 AM
We are honored to rename one of our magnolia trees after Ms. He Fengchun (鳳春, Fengchun — “Phoenix of Spring”), former Director of the Suzhou Garden Design Institute. Ms. He was a driving force behind Lan Su’s original design and plant collections, and Lan Su was her very first garden design project — a connection she treasures deeply. This particular magnolia, her favorite in the garden, will now bear her name in tribute to her vision and dedication.
Members of the Suzhou Garden Bureau and Suzhou city administrator delegation will join us for the unveiling ceremony.
Xu Jiawen
(徐佳雯)
Wang Xin
(王鑫)
What You Don’t Know About Chinese Kunqu Opera
Friday, Sept. 12 | 12–1 PM
Step into the captivating world of Kunqu, “the mother of all Chinese opera,” in an intimate, guided Q&A with two of its brightest stars.
Fu Hanlu
Zhang Xue
What You Don’t Know About Silk Embroidery
Friday, Sept. 12 | 2–3 PM
Meet two of Suzhou’s most innovative embroidery artists, Zhang Xue and Fu Hanlu, in an exclusive, up-close conversation.
Lan Su 25: Suzhou Heritage Day
Saturday, Sept. 13 | 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Members only: 10–11 AM
Celebrate the living traditions, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange at the heart of Lan Su’s creation.
- 10–11 AM | Member Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Experience
- 11 AM – 4 PM | Chinese Suzhou-style Silk Embroidery Demonstration by Suzhou masters
- 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM | Suzhou Kunqu Opera Performances by visiting artists from Suzhou Kunqu Troupe
White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance will perform on jongs at 11 AM Sunday, September 14.
Lan Su 25: Community Celebration Day
Sunday Sept. 14 | 10 AM – 6:30 PM
Join us for a lively day honoring the Portland communities that have supported the garden for a quarter century. Enjoy continuous cultural performances and interactive activities showcasing Lan Su’s deep connections with Portland’s AANHPI communities.
9:45 AM
Chinese Drum Performance by Mulan Drum Team followed by special calligraphy performance by our scholar-in-residence, Dr. Jiyu Yang
10:00 AM – Noon
Free Anniversary Cake (while supplies last)
11:00 AM
Lion Dance on Jongs by White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance
Noon – 4 PM
Cultural Performances by local community groups:
12:00 PM
Portland Chinese Dance Troupe
1:00 PM
Indonesian Performing Arts of Oregon (IPAO)
2:00 PM
Vancouver Jasmine Dance Troupe
3:00 PM — CANCELED
Kalabharathi School of Dance
4:00 PM
Portland Taiko
Note: We will close at 3 PM on Friday, September 12, to prepare for the gala.
25th Anniversary Gala
Friday, Sept. 12 | 5:00–9:30 PM
Join community leaders, longtime supporters, and cultural champions for this milestone event that blends elegance, tradition, and purpose. Enjoy a private cocktail reception, cultural performances, seated dinner, fundraising auction, and more in this elevated evening out.
The banquet is currently sold out, but a limited number of tickets for the cocktail reception only are still available.
To join a waiting list for the banquet, email [email protected]. Tickets for banquet portion will only be available pending cancelations.
A Little History
Opened on September 14, 2000 as Portland Classical Chinese Garden, Lan Su is the result of a close collaboration with our sister city, Suzhou.
More than 60 Chinese artisans built the key structures in Suzhou—then brought the pieces over and rebuilt it all here! From the giant Tai Hu rocks decorating the garden to the thousands of individually laid stones that make up the mosaic pathways, every aspect has been carefully planned and maintained over the years.
Want to know more about how Lan Su Chinese Garden was built? Watch one of the construction videos below!
#LanSuRen Stories
“Ren” means people in Chinese. Our Lan Su Ren are the members, volunteers, program partners, board of directors, staff, and many other dedicated community members who come together to make Lan Su thrive.
To mark our milestone anniversary, we asked our #LanSuRen to share why they love being a part of this community:
Share Your Lan Su Memories
Do you remember your first Lunar New Year? A school tour that inspired your career? Or maybe just that perfect spot that always pulls you in when you visit? We want to see your favorites!
Submit your memories here for us to share, or post your throwback photos on social media with #LanSu25 and #MoreThanAGarden. Be sure to tag us, too!
Make a Gift Today
Together, we can ensure Lan Su remains a vibrant, welcoming space for generations to come. Thank you for helping preserve and grow our legacy!
Helpful Financial Info
Mailing address: 38 NW Davis Street, Suite 260, Portland, OR, 97209
Contact email: [email protected]
Federal Tax ID number (EIN): 93-1296840
Lan Su is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations and memberships are tax deductible.
Explore Chinese tea culture through guided tastings
Seasonal teas, traditional brewing, centuries of history
Weekends through May 31