Year of the Horse Gallops Into Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden

Portland, February 1st. 2014. The Year of the Horse began on January 31, 2014! People born in the Year of the Horse are generally popular, smart, and strong. Community Leaders say you can learn more about this most colorful and joyous of all Chinese festivals during the two-week celebration at Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden

Click here to see the full schedule of Chinese New Year activities.

The celebration started on Friday, January 31 with “Rolling in the Wealth,” a traditional good fortune and prosperity activity of rolling oranges and gold coins through Lan Su’s front door. “Rolling in the Wealth” is followed by the Lee’s Association Dragon & Lion Dance team, a visit from the Portland Police Mounted Patrol Unit, and a martial arts demonstration.

 

 

The celebration ends with three nights of Lantern Viewing and dragon processions (February 12-14).

Buy your admission tickets now to cut down on the time in line. Now with no online service fees!
Please note: For the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff, entry may be limited at peak times of visitation to meet fire code regulations. Expect lines at times on opening day and weekend days. Plan for the most auspicious visit by arriving early! “Rolling in the Wealth” orange and coin rolling is limited to the first 100 visitors.

Weekends during Chinese New Year feature:

Lion dances every Saturday and Sunday
Miniature horses from the NW Miniature Horse Club
Children’s music and dance performances
Make a Happy New Year card
Demonstrations from the Portland Shaolin Center
Chinese Zodiac Calligraphy demonstrations
and more!
Weekdays offer a sneak peek at Lan Su’s 2014 events and activities, including Cuisines of China, Lan Su in Bloom, Chinese Fun and Games, and more. 

From Lan Su;

Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures. Built by Chinese artisans from our sister city Suzhou (home of China’s famous ancient gardens), it’s the most authentic Chinese garden outside of China. Much more than just a beautiful garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder — a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design and nature in perfect harmony.

Once inside the garden’s walls, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled through time to another era in a faraway world. Lan Su is a window into Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. Ever changing, Lan Su always has something new to offer – by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Enter the wonderland.

Inspirational Space

Lan Su  is modeled after the Ming Dynasty gardens of China, which were designed as spiritual utopias: places where individuals could escape the problems of everyday life and discover their true selves by connecting with nature. Like those ancient gardens, Lan Su is a peaceful and soothing place – a respite from city life that is designed to inspire, facilitate personal growth, and spark creativity.

A Window into Chinese Culture

Lan Su is a rare treasure that offers an extraordinary glimpse into Chinese culture. Visitors of all ages can explore the garden, its history and meanings through a wide variety of fun and enriching activities, including: guided and self-guided tours, mahjong, tai chi, calligraphy, musical performances, art shows, tea tastings, and an ongoing lecture series featuring everything from Chinese medicine and acupuncture to healthy cooking and eating.