Lan Su Chinese Garden

"Most cherished in this mundane world is a place without traffic; truly in the midst of a city there can be mountain and forest." - Lu Su Chinese Garden, Portland, Oregon

The 16th century emerges in the middle of downtown Portland, Oregon. Secluded within a block's space, tranquility gathers.

The garden engages wonder.


















On paths of stone designs, texture massages feet.

Water songs rush down rock sculptures where gardenia blossoms freshen breezes.


Attracting dragonflies, reds and pinks of water lilies float on the ponds.

In Chinese belief systems, everything is connected by a life force. Qi (pronounced chee.) flows through the Lan Su's landscape.

Listen to scents fly
Past petal fragrance of light
Bees gather pollen 

Ink flows from brushes
A bridge of time and blossoms
The hum of art swirls
















Only a child's smile
punctuates paths of petals
A stone lion's roar