Three of the finest gardens in the Pacific Northwest grow within a 15-minute drive of the skyscrapers of downtown Portland. In fact, I had hoped to visit others, such as the Hoyt Arboretum and vast Forest Park, but time allowed for only the three jewels below.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Like Vancouver, Canada, Portland has an exquisite classical Chinese garden within walking distance of downtown. Created by artisans from Portland’s Chinese sister city, Suzhou, the Lan Su garden combines ornate pavilions, koi-filled ponds and manicured courtyards to great effect. Carefully arranged compositions unfold as you traverse the tranquil paths, and each turn brings some new picture-perfect view. A teahouse offers light refreshments, and the garden hosts various activities, including tea tastings and poetry readings. We watched a tai chi class for a while, moving in graceful unison on the terrace of the Hall of Brocade Clouds.

Lan Su Chinese Garden
239 NW Everett Street. Tel. (503) 228-8131