The Lan Su Chinese Gardens are located in the middle of Portland's Chinatown (and right around the corner from Pok Pok outpost, Ping). It wouldn't be a Natalie highlight if I didn't locate the attraction nearest to the restaurant.

The gardens were built in the year 2000, the majority of all of the materials including the stones imported from China. The name of the garden comes from the relationship between Portland and Suzhou. Sounds from both Portland and Suzhou are combined to form “Lan Su,.” “Lan” is the Chinese word for “Orchid” and “Su” is the Chinese word for “Arise” or “Awaken” so the name is interpreted poetically as “Garden of the Awakening Orchids.”

It really is a lovely place to regain some inner peace and admire the gorgeous gardens.