More Events & Classes
A Year of Events Celebrating 2010
Brought to the Community by Proud Title Sponsor - NW Natural
On September 14, 2010 Lan Su Chinese Garden turns ten. To commemorate this exciting milestone and honor our special relationship with our sister city Suzhou, we’re hosting a yearlong celebration--and everyone is invited. Beginning with ten free admission days and continuing throughout the year, we’re filling the calendar with events and surprises not to be missed. Be sure to visit our website or follow us on Twitter for more information on upcoming events and announcements. 2010 promises to be a year to remember.
Visit our 2010 Events page for more information on these events.
Events
Chinese New Year
Year of the Tiger
February 14 - 28
An annual festival for families and children this celebration includes lion dances, puppet shows, martial arts and demonstrations sharing the rich culture and history of Chinese New Year. This two week celebration culminates with traditional lantern viewing on February 28th. Throughout the festival, all visitors receive a red envelope, symbolizing good luck for the coming year.
All Events free with Garden admission.
Visit the Chinese New Year page for more details and a complete schedule.
National College of Natural Medicine Lecture Series
As Above, So Below: Symbolism of the Months in the Chinese Calendar
February - January
Classical Chinese medicine is a holistic system of medicine which combines the art and science of human care developed over millennia. The study of classical Chinese medicine involves expanding one’s concept of science in order to gain new insights into health and healing.
Starting at the Chinese New Year, this program offers a monthly lecture on traditional Chinese symbolism, describing how the energy in and zodiac animal assigned to each month or season affects one’s body.
Visit the National College of Natural Medicine Lecture Series page for more details and a complete schedule.
Activities in the Garden
During the year, the Garden is offering members and visitors alike the opportunity to experience a variety of activities, lectures, and classes. These programs will serve to enhance visitors’ understanding of Chinese culture and also provide an opportunity for visitors and members to learn and play. All activities unless otherwise noted are free with admission or membership.
Tai Chi
10:00 a.m
At 10:00 a.m. every Thursday in the Garden, enjoy a free drop-in Tai Chi presentation sponsored by Li Ning Sportswear.
Led by instructor Mark Parzynski, the presentation will showcase a different movement each week and provide the basic understanding of Tai Chi and how practicing Tai Chi will achieve a healthy body combined with a peaceful mind.
Free with admission, no registration required.
Bloom Walk
First Friday of Every Month
3:00 p.m.
Join the Garden’s horticulture staff as they lead you on a tour of the Garden’s blooming plants. A walking tour of the Garden, the Bloom Walk gives a detailed look at the “What’s Blooming” guide.
Download your copy of the “What’s Blooming” guide (PDF, 115 KB) for your next visit
Free with admission, no registration required.
Mahjong
1st & 3rd Thursday of each month
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
3rd Saturday of each month
11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join the Portland Mahjong Society as they play in the Garden. Whether you know how to play or are intrigued by this traditional Chinese game, you are encouraged to watch, to participate, or simply to learn how to play this fascinating game.
Free with admission, no registration required.
Wei Chi (Chinese Go)
First Sunday of every month
12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Whether you know how to play or simply are fascinated by the artfulness of this ancient Chinese game, you are encouraged to watch, to participate, and to ask questions as the Portland Go Club plays Wei Chi in the Garden. Wei chi is a game of strategy and skill and been enjoyed in Chinese gardens for centuries. The Garden Gift Store has wei chi (go) boards and books so you can continue the fun at home.
Wei Chi with the Portland Go Club will continue the first Sunday of every month.
Free with admission, no registration required.
T’ai Chi Chih
Second Saturday of every month
10:30 a.m.
Local teachers and students doing a group practice of t’ai chi chih, a moving meditation, incorporating 19 movements and a final pose involving the generating, circulating, and balancing of chi energy.
The T’ai Chi Chih practice will occur on the second Saturday of every month.
Free with admission, no registration required.
Events in the Teahouse
Melody of the Purple Bamboo: Traditional Chinese Music in the Teahouse
Every Monday
11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Every Thursday
11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Every Sunday
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
Listen to music from the Portland Orchids and Bamboo Chinese Ensemble as you sip tea in the Teahouse.
Free, with order of tea service and Garden admission
The Scholar’s Art
Every Wednesday
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Dr. Jiyu Yang discusses and demonstrates the classical Chinese art forms of poetry and calligraphy. Bring home your favorite poem in beautiful calligraphic script.
Free, with order of tea service and Garden admission in the Garden’s Teahouse