Visitor’s Guide

Lan Su Chinese Garden offers infinite paths to discovery, whether you are a visitor simply taking in the beauty of the garden for the first time or a member who comes back day after day to sip tea in the chinese teahouse.  One visit just isn't enough to take in the depth and abundance of experiences. Lan Su is ever-changing -- by the minute, by the hour, and with the seasons. Something as simple as the shifting of light throughout the day can dramatically alter the garden's appearance and your experience. You'll always discover something new at Lan Su.

First Time Visitors

Things to consider

• Directions & Parking
• Hours & Admission
• See what activities you can join in on your visit at no additional cost

Our award winning Visitor Guide is your best bet for a great overview of Lan Su and an introduction to the hundreds of years of Chinese history and culture the garden encompasses.  Lan Su also offers tours of the garden led by trained docents who can give you a little more depth on what you are seeing. 

During your visit, you are also encouraged to join in or participate in any of our events occurring in Lan Su, take as many pictures as you'd like, stop by the Teahouse for a cup of tea or simply sit and enjoy the tranquility.

Be sure to stop by the Garden Gift Shop for a postcard or other memento to remind you of your visit.

Returning Visitors

Visiting Lan Su on a return trip offers you the chance to explore a little more deeply than the first time.

Things to consider:

• Schedule your visit to coincide with one of our regular or weekly activities like tai chi, mahjong or music in the Teahouse
  
• Try a new tea or tea-style in the Teahouse
  
• Take a little extra time and go on a docent-led tour
  
• Become a member to come as much as you would like

The Garden Shop offers a great selection of Chinese music CDs in addition to books on the history, culture and gardens of China to enhance your learning about Chinese gardens. One book not to miss is Listen to the Fragrance a book detailing all of the calligraphic poetry within Lan Su.

Visiting with Kids

Lan Su offers many chances to begin a conversation about how people in other cultures live, dig into history and spark imaginations with cool rocks, building shapes, and textures.

Things to consider:

• See what activities we have going on the day of your visit for kids to participate in
  
• Be sure to check out our cost-saving Family Pass for a discounted admission for two adults, and two students
  
• Ask for a copy of our Discovery Guide for kids at the front gate
  
• A popular activity is trying to find all of the fish in Lake Zither
  

If you are planning a visit with a baby or toddler, small strollers are easy to maneuver through our narrow pathways. Larger strollers can create difficulties for you and other guests in trying to walk through the garden. We can help provide a place to "park" a large stroller at the front gate if needed. Small snacks and sippy cups are allowed in the garden, we just ask that any drink have a lid.

Our Garden Shop features large selection of items for kids and priced perfectly for those on an allowance including finger traps, Chinese yo-yos and more. Be sure to stop in on your visit.

Plant Lovers

China is home to more than 30,000 plant species; one-eighth of the world's total! Many of the plants we know and love in the West originated in China.

Things to consider:

• Take a plant tour with a member of Lan Su's horticulture staff
  
• Become a member to see the plants in every season
  
• Take home one of our monthly-featured plants for sale in the Courtyard of Tranquility

If you are in the garden and have a question about a plant or wonder what we are doing to a specific plant, please feel free to ask. One of our experts on Chinese horticulture will be happy to answer your questions.

Members

Things to consider:

• Try a new tea in the Teahouse with your 10% discount
  
• Use your member discount on a ticket to an upcoming event
  
• Introduce a friend to Lan Su with an upgrade to a "plus" membership.

Members are an integral part of Lan Su's success and we thank you for your support.