Join us on a journey along the ancient trade route during Lan Su’s celebration of the Silk Road.
Discover the Silk Road in July & August at Lan Su with talks on the Silk Road, silk embroidery art, and a display of live silkworms. Watch as the silk worms spin their cocoons and emerge as silk moths! See a full schedule of events »
Included free with Lan Su membership or admission; no registration required.
Silk has played an integral role in China’s economic and artistic life for thousands of years. It is used in clothing, commerce, a material for decorating, and a medium for artists. It also functioned as currency, an agricultural staple, and a method for paying taxes. For centuries China was the only place where silkworms were domesticated and silk fabric woven. Evidence of silk production has been found at Neolithic sites dating back 6,000 years.
Legends abound as to the origin of silk. While Lady Xiling, the wife of the mythic Yellow Emperor, was having tea under a mulberry tree, a cocoon fell into her cup. As a strand unwound onto her finger, she realized that it could be used for weaving. The story continues that Lady Xiling taught her people how to raise silkworms and also invented the loom.
Travels on the Silk Road is presented in part by
For as little as $60 a year enjoy unlimited visits to Lan Su, 10% off at the Garden Shop and Garden Teahouse (exclusions apply) and member pricing on special events like Lunar New Year Lantern Viewing Evenings.
239 Northwest Everett Street, Portland, Oregon 97209
Call Us: 503.228.8131
Lan Su Chinese Garden
38 NW Davis St #260, Portland, OR 97209
Members, donors and visitors help keep Lan Su healthy and growing. Lan Su is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations and memberships are tax deductible. Lan Su’s Federal Tax ID number (EIN) is 93-1296840.