Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon

Lan Su Chinese Garden is a walled garden treasure right in Portland. Exploring the garden, we could hardly remember that we were in fact in a city. From the moment you step inside, you are a world away.

A peek inside the window invites you to step into tranquility.

The garden is the result of a collaboration effort between Portland and its sister city of Suzhou in China. Lan Su was crafted by Suzhou artisans and melds together nature, architecture and art in harmony providing a tranquil experience. The expert artisans crafted Lan Su using traditional techniques and materials. The result is a magical escape from the buzz of the city without leaving.

Structures, trees, shrubs and flowers meld together around a peaceful pond.

Art and Nature Blended Together

The courtyard is stunningly graced with the perfect and measured blend of foliage, water features and structures. The greenery and elegant architecture truly wall you away from the towering buildings of the city establishing an enclosure for a nature respite.

Footbridge through calming scenery.

Throughout the garden, we found ourselves weaving in and out of pathways, over footbridges and in and out of buildings.

Beautiful paths throughout.

The path from one structure to the next gives time to ponder. A number of hidden nooks and little windows reveal treasures.

The Scholar's Study with implements and artifacts.

One of the structures featured a scholar's study. We enjoyed a peek at a variety of implements that scholars used. The implements helped inspire creativity. In the studio, the scholar would work on poety, calligraphy and art as well as use it as a space for entertaining.

Lan Su Teahouse

Insides the gardens, there is a two story teahouse. For complete relaxation, why not enjoy a cup of tea?

Inside the teahouse, guests can enjoy a collection of loose leaf teas and Chinese snacks both sweet and savory. Additionally, there are tea items and loose leaf tea for purchase.

Artful elements throughout the teahouse and tea items perfect for your collection.

We each savored a respite with a spot of tea. Our piping hot tea arrived in adorable cups. I also ordered almond cookies which were delicious!

Enjoying a spot of loose leaf tea and fresh almond cookies.

My daughter ordered Mooncakes with red bean filling to accompany her tea. Mooncakes are popular for the Chinese Moon Festival. We found them to be a lovely sweet treat!

Loose leaf tea with sweet mooncakes.

After our repose in the teahouse, we walked about the garden again making new discoveries. Walking throughout the gardens and in and out of buildings, we learned about Chinese culture while taking moments of serenity. Lan Su Chinese Garden offers a wonderful and unique exploration opportunity in Portland.

To Know:

• Lan Su Chinese Garden has a lovely gift shop with many items reflecting Chinese heritage and art. Definitely worth a stop.
• There are quite a few activities including daily tours, crafts, qigong, tai chi and more so check the schedule.
• I recommend picking up the brochure for the gardens. It provides a nice explanation of each portion of the gardens and is very artfully done.

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.