Lan Su Chinese Garden
Lan Su Chinese Garden
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Lan Su Chinese Garden is much more than just a beautiful garden. It’s a creative wonder — an authentically built, powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony. (Updated July 2020) In the light of COVID-19, masks are required during visit.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Old Town - Chinatown
How to get there
- Union Station • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,782 within 3 miles
Attractions
394 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,540 reviews
Excellent
1,720
Very good
617
Average
152
Poor
26
Terrible
25
Jim W.
Atlanta, GA1,008 contributions
Jul 2022
Our flight arrived in Portland a bit after noon on a Sunday. After picking up our rental car, this was our first stop, mostly as we were not as concerned with crowds here vs. some other places we wanted to see (the International Rose Test Garden, for instance). Parking was just on-street, though this was easy to find. The garden covers a full city block within Portland's Chinatown area.
When we arrived (Maybe around 2:30 p.m.) the surrounding area seemed deserted, other than a homeless person walking down the middle of one street. The garden had a steady stream of visitors, though. Admission was around $15 per person.
There is a large central pond that has a few extensions out towards the perimeter walls. The garden is segmented into a number of courtyards, such that each one has a more private feel than the central area. There is a small pavilion built over one part of the pond and some bridges over other parts. There are also about 3 'tea house' type structures spread around the complex - one is the gift shop, one houses some artifacts and sometimes art demos, and the 3rd is an actual tea house.
I won't bother to look for or review that separately. Basically they have a limited menu of Chinese food like dumplings or buns, plus (of course) teas. We did get a snack here. They were doing a brisk business (with a few tables on the ground floor, a few out on a small patio, and a few upstairs from which you could see most of the gardens. It is a nice place to get something light to eat and spend a few minutes observing the gardens.
In terms of plants, they let you borrow a guide to look at as you walk through. There were a decent variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers throughout.
If you are in the mood for a relaxing and tranquil stroll this is a good bet.
When we arrived (Maybe around 2:30 p.m.) the surrounding area seemed deserted, other than a homeless person walking down the middle of one street. The garden had a steady stream of visitors, though. Admission was around $15 per person.
There is a large central pond that has a few extensions out towards the perimeter walls. The garden is segmented into a number of courtyards, such that each one has a more private feel than the central area. There is a small pavilion built over one part of the pond and some bridges over other parts. There are also about 3 'tea house' type structures spread around the complex - one is the gift shop, one houses some artifacts and sometimes art demos, and the 3rd is an actual tea house.
I won't bother to look for or review that separately. Basically they have a limited menu of Chinese food like dumplings or buns, plus (of course) teas. We did get a snack here. They were doing a brisk business (with a few tables on the ground floor, a few out on a small patio, and a few upstairs from which you could see most of the gardens. It is a nice place to get something light to eat and spend a few minutes observing the gardens.
In terms of plants, they let you borrow a guide to look at as you walk through. There were a decent variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers throughout.
If you are in the mood for a relaxing and tranquil stroll this is a good bet.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa
13 contributions
Oct 2022
Lan Su Chinese Garden is only about a block or so in size but my husband and I spent over 2 hours there. If you can time your visit to get a tour, it is probably worth it. We got there too early for the first tour so we downloaded the audio tour on our phones and listened while we wandered around. We were able to stop and start the audio in order to take more time at each stop. The tea house near the end of the tour is very nice. We each got a cup of tea and sat at a table enjoying the serenity of the garden. This is a must see attraction. We almost missed it in our searches of what to do in Portland.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RandyRoss
Ridgetown, Canada11,444 contributions
Aug 2022
We were a little concerned about the number of homeless people in the area, although they seemed peaceful enough. In any case, we parked our car on the street and had no issues.
The garden itself was lovely. We actually liked it more than the Japanese gardens. The gardens take up a full city block and had lots of colorful buildings, beautiful flowers and nice ponds.
Recommended.
The garden itself was lovely. We actually liked it more than the Japanese gardens. The gardens take up a full city block and had lots of colorful buildings, beautiful flowers and nice ponds.
Recommended.
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sawadeeann
Oahu, HI370 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
I realllly wanted to enjoy this place, but it was just meh for me. I found street parking and mind you, this isn’t in the most safest of places. Lots of transients walking around. So be mindful.
We came on a Wednesday and we were literally the only ones in the garden. I booked on-line so it was easy just saying my last name and gaining entrance. The garden is surrounded by buildings as it is in downtown/Chinatown so that took away from the setting. They do the best they can. There was construction noise on the street that runs along the gardens which defeated the purpose of a mindful morning. Not their fault, albeit I would have had the gardens in a much quieter neighborhood like where the Japanese gardens is.
We opted out of the free tour and paced ourselves. The garden is not big, but having no guide I am certain we missed out on lots of information. We also did not enter the cafe as I heard they just give you tea bags. No thank you. My suggestion would be to pipe in Chinese instrumental music to drown out the noise of construction and cars.
The gals in front were friendly and willing to chat, I guess I was expecting Asian staff (not being racist) and not a predominantly Caucasian one in discussing the Chinese gardens This was not worth the entrance fee nor was looking for parking in a seedy neighborhood with my kid.
We came on a Wednesday and we were literally the only ones in the garden. I booked on-line so it was easy just saying my last name and gaining entrance. The garden is surrounded by buildings as it is in downtown/Chinatown so that took away from the setting. They do the best they can. There was construction noise on the street that runs along the gardens which defeated the purpose of a mindful morning. Not their fault, albeit I would have had the gardens in a much quieter neighborhood like where the Japanese gardens is.
We opted out of the free tour and paced ourselves. The garden is not big, but having no guide I am certain we missed out on lots of information. We also did not enter the cafe as I heard they just give you tea bags. No thank you. My suggestion would be to pipe in Chinese instrumental music to drown out the noise of construction and cars.
The gals in front were friendly and willing to chat, I guess I was expecting Asian staff (not being racist) and not a predominantly Caucasian one in discussing the Chinese gardens This was not worth the entrance fee nor was looking for parking in a seedy neighborhood with my kid.
Written March 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dr. B
San Antonio, TX31 contributions
Oct 2022
We visited Lan Su Chinese Gardens the morning before our conference began. We took a LYFT ride into town, across the bridge from our Hotel Eastlund, and amongst the chaos of the homeless meandering around in a drug daze, or in hysterics as they are having visions and hearing voices, it was a frightening journey to these gardens, but once we were there, it was as though we were in another world. The front gate is locked and you'll have to be let in, as again, sadly it is located in a complicated area of Portland (though everyone would probably say all of Portland is complicated from what I've researched and heard from the locals). But Lan Su Chinese Garden is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful. Take your time, walk through slowly, take a moment to meditate, take a breathe before you go back into that city, because this is the only place you'll find peace for a few miles out. A must see and well worth the trip. You'll also find some beautiful original paintings on display. A terrific experience. I didn't want to leave.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jordan W
11 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
This was an excellent place to relax amidst the hustle and bustle of PDX. Even though it’s in the middle of the city, Lan Su Chinese garden was so peaceful and quiet.
I felt truly relaxed watching the koi fish and sitting in the tranquility courtyard. I would highly recommend this to anyone who needs a break from the city speed
I felt truly relaxed watching the koi fish and sitting in the tranquility courtyard. I would highly recommend this to anyone who needs a break from the city speed
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robin B
Phoenix, AZ1,303 contributions
May 2021
This is a lovely garden in the middle of the city. We were easily able to park on the street (paid). Covid restrictions included timed entry, as well as a reduced crowd, which was kind of nice. Because it wasn’t overflowing with people, you could walk along at your own pace. Still, it only took about 35-45 minutes to walk through. There is a tea house inside, but we didn’t stop.
Written May 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffrey H
Honolulu, HI53 contributions
Oct 2021
I have visited the Scholar Gardens in Suzhou, China and I was happily surprised to step into the Lan Su Gardens, a facsimile of a real garden. However, one must really slow down to appreciate the surroundings. I saw people arrive, take one quick turn and exit. I wonder what they got out of their visit. This is a place to spend time, to let go of one's rush-rush schedule, to sit in one of the many pavillions or open spaces and just let nature talk to you. If there is a negative, there is a tall red brick building that looms over the space and the sound of Union Station nearby. Overall, thank you Portland for creating this garden.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave T
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK446 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Tucked away in the old town part of Portland this lovingly created Chinese tea garden is a thing to behold. I have been lucky enough to visit China itself and this place really does do it justice. The buildings, gardens, reflective pools are all amazing and the tea garden cafe is worth a stop, great green tea, sake, and pan fried dumplings
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PortlandFoody
Portland, OR27 contributions
Aug 2022
The most beautiful place in Portland Or., hidden away in the downtown area. The pond is magical with the Koi swimming amongst the water lilies and the lotus - the plants and flowers are ever changing with the seasons and the smell was fabulous.
The staff members are so helpful and seem to love their jobs. I read that September 3rd & 4th, they are having a Mid Autumn Lantern Festival with a Market Place and Asian dancers and Musicians and the Lion Dancers from 2:00 to 9:00. Sounds like a date to put on my calendar. Peaceful, Relaxing, Tranquility - we need this in our lives.
The staff members are so helpful and seem to love their jobs. I read that September 3rd & 4th, they are having a Mid Autumn Lantern Festival with a Market Place and Asian dancers and Musicians and the Lion Dancers from 2:00 to 9:00. Sounds like a date to put on my calendar. Peaceful, Relaxing, Tranquility - we need this in our lives.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I have a small chihuahua and he is. for emotional support.he is leash trained is he allowed thanks
Chinese_Garden
Portland, OR
Only service animals are permitted in the garden.
slanza
san jose
Can you use a mobility scooter to get around the garden
Chinese_Garden
Portland, OR
Lan Su has a wheelchair accessible route that travels throughout the garden. Almost every area of the garden can be accessed by those using mobility devices, and benches are available throughout the garden.
Restroom are also fully accessible, and an elevator in the Teahouse allows patrons with limited mobility to access first and second floor seating.
are you open in october? thanks
Chinese_Garden
Portland, OR
Lan Su Chinese Garden is open year-round (closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). Please check the garden's website for any updates before planning your visit.
ruahde
Milwaukee, WI10 contributions
How far from union station?
What public transportation would I take?
bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK23,075 contributions
It is about half a mile from Union Station and unless you have difficulties, I would walk. From the station take four blocks South on the NW 6th Avenue, then turn left onto NW Everett Street and it is four blocks along. The blocks are not huge and the Gardens are well marked. If walking is a problem I guess there will be taxis at the station and you can arrange for the driver to pick you up after an agreed time.
Adam B
Saint Louis, MO
How much is admission?
Chinese_Garden
Portland, OR
Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (62+), $7 for students (w/ ID), Free for children 5.
Sugarbooger500
Eureka, CA
How much time should I plan to spend here on average?
Chinese_Garden
Portland, OR
An average visit to the garden can last about an hour. Join a docent led tour (included in your admission) or stop in the teahouse for a vast selection of delicious teas and treats, and your visit to the garden can easily extend through an afternoon. Thank you for your question, we hope you enjoy your visit!
Lan Su Chinese Garden (Portland) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Lan Su Chinese Garden is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Lan Su Chinese Garden tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Lan Su Chinese Garden tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Lan Su Chinese Garden:
- (0.06 mi) The Society Hotel
- (0.16 mi) The Hoxton Portland
- (0.35 mi) The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.33 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Portland-Pearl District
- (0.39 mi) Hotel Lucia
- Restaurants near Lan Su Chinese Garden:
- (0.03 mi) Tao of Tea
- (0.06 mi) Old Town Pizza & Brewing
- (0.07 mi) Kasbah Moroccan Cafe
- (0.05 mi) Golden Horse Seafood
- (0.07 mi) Hobo's