©Stephen Cridland and Portland Classical Chinese Garden

Portland Classical Chinese Garden is calm amidst downtown Portland

By Patrick Johnson
For Oregon.com

It's a new experience each time you walk into the Portland Classical Chinese Garden.

The garden, taking up a city block in the middle of Portland's Chinatown, transports you to Portland's sister city of Suzhou, China, with its architecture, plants, smells and even sounds. The Garden is the only one of its size outside of China.

"I have always found it amazing that we are surrounded by the city, yet you don't know unless you look up," says Gloria Lee, the garden's executive director. "But my favorite part of the garden is looking up and seeing the contrast between the Chinese architecture and the skyscrapers - the curved roof against the flat buildings. I think it shows the difference between the cultures."

©Allan Mandell and the Portland Classical Chinese Garden About the garden: The Portland Classical Chinese Garden is an urban garden designed to educate people about Chinese culture. The garden's mission is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony. What to bring: Cameras are allowed in the garden, but tripod photography is prohibited. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore the garden and to enjoy a cup or two of traditional Chinese teas. Season: November 1 thought March 31: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April 1 through October 31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Getting there: Drive to NW Everett and Third Avenue in downtown Portland where on-street, metered parking is available (Visa cards accepted), or take the light rail system to the Old Town/Chinatown stop. There are also numerous parking garages in the area. Hours and Fees: Subject to change. See the garden Web site for current information. Tips: Taking the tours of the garden, whether you opt for the audio tour or an extended tour by a volunteer, offer much insight into the design, plants and aspects of the garden you might not notice on your own. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time - and don't forget to visit the gift shop which offers imported goods. History: The idea for the garden started 15 years ago and through the cooperation of the city of Portland and corporate sponsors, in 2000 the garden opened to the public. The garden was built using authentic materials and tools by 65 artisans from Suzhou, China, including 500 tons of rock from Lake Tai. The garden cost $12.5 million to complete and today has more than 150,000 visitors per year. The garden is supported by members, visitors and donors. No tax or public money is received by the garden for its operations or programs.

With nine buildings and more than 500 species of plants and a lake spreading out through the garden, each visit brings new discoveries and sensations.

The garden - which is called Lan Su Yuan in Chinese which means "Portland Suzhou Garden" - is also known as the "Garden of Awakening Orchids."

There are stories behind every rock, bridge, design and even walkway in the garden.

"These stones in the pathway are designed to help you relax when they hit the pressure points of your feet," Lee says. "During the summer people will walk through here barefoot to really relax and enjoy this environment."

During the winter months the three friends of winter - Pine, Plume and Bamboo - are displayed in front of the garden.
"Every day there is something new to discover and notice," Lee says. "I have been here the five years we have been open and I still notice new things. It really is unique."

While you might think a garden surrounded by Portland's downtown might be a loud experience, there are more than 26 building code variances that were approved so the garden would be separated from the outside world. A wall surrounds the garden and the plants are allowed to grow high above head. In no one spot can you see the entire garden from within its walls.

"The entire idea of the garden is to slow you down," Lee says. "One fifth of the space is dedicated to the lake where we have goldfish. We also have kids release the fish during a Chinese holiday. It's a lot of fun."

Poetry is also spread throughout the garden with scrolls and carvings located throughout the exhibit. Garden events constantly promote and educate people about Chinese culture.

Also located within the walls is a tea house offering light lunch and traditional - and some new - Chinese teas. The tea house is a recreation of a 16th Century, Sung-style Chinese teahouse and overlooks the large lake at the center of the garden. No cell phones are allowed and it's a wonderful place to stop and talk with friends or family.

More than 122 volunteers give daily tours - which can take up to two and a half hours. There are also audio tours available, where you are given a wand with numbers corresponding to different areas of the garden.

©Stephen Cridland and the Portland Classical Chinese Garden

Story by Patrick Johnson, a freelance writer based in Canby, OR.