Portland Classical Chinese Garden

The Portland Classical Chinese Garden is authentic in every way. All building materials were brought here from China and constructed in a one-block area in Oldtown. Rain or shine, you can walk the covered pathways and view artifacts and the beautiful scenery. The lake, stocked with colorful fish, is serene and peaceful. This is a wonderful place to go and relax, and to take out-of-town guests. It will be an experience they won't forget.

Posted 10/04/08 | Report Abuse

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I had never been to the Chinese Garden and I used guests visiting as an opportunity to finally go. It was a delightful surprise amidst the urban surroundings. It is very small, but it manages to incorporate all the features of a traditional Chinese garden in plantings and architecture. We parked and walked a couple blocks to the garden, and the only downside is that the neighborhood isn't the best.

PROS:
CONS: somewhat uncomfortable neighborhood

Posted 09/06/06 | Report Abuse

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The Portland Chinese Garden is a stunning sanctuary in the middle of Old Town. You would never know it was there if you only looked at the surrounding, semi-rundown area, but the garden is an oasis. It stretches a block long and it is a perfect place to bring family from out of town, or children for a special day. It is meticulously kept and a calm place to gaze at your surroundings. They have a tea room and a very nice gift shop. Occasionally, they have activities and art-making days for children. They also have a parade once a year. The Chinese Garden also has coupons for dollars off admission in the Chinook Book!

Posted 11/19/05 | Report Abuse

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I have only been to the Portland Classical Chinese Gardens once, but I can't say enough about it! It is a beautiful, tranquil garden that takes up a whole city block! There are amazing plants, wonderful walkways, and even a bridged lake. It is truly picture perfect! They have events and exhibits that sound wonderful. I really look forward to attending one soon. They have a wonderful gift store with jewelry, tea sets, books, and more. Highyl recommended!

Posted 11/09/05 | Report Abuse

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My family took me to this for my b-day. We had a wonderful time. Our tour guide (tour is optional and included in ticket) was very fun, knew her stuff (probably helped that she is from China) and we really enjoyed her tales.

We learned so much about both Portland history and Chinese ancient history and were never bored during the tour.

The garden itself is beautiful. We went on an early autumn day, sun shining. It was wonderful to sit in the sun in several locations throughout the garden and realize that the city is bustling just yards away. It feels like you are truly removed from it.

We enjoyed it so much, we plan to go back on a rainy day because we understand it was also designed to make the most of the rain as well (helps in Portland).

The one thing I was a bit disappointed in was the lack of furnishings in each room. I realize tihngs were sparse then, but probably not empty. I understand they are working on accessorizing more of the buildings.

Posted 10/14/05 | Report Abuse

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This is an authentic Chinese garden--and it's such a nice way to spend an afternoon! There's a large pond and waterfall, and so many gorgeous plants and interesting architecture.

Posted 10/09/05 | Report Abuse

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I fell in love the minute I walked through the gates. There is so much attention to detail in the Chinese Garden that you feel like you have left Portland altogether. Everything is beautiful and serene - the perfect place to escape to on a sunny afternoon.

Posted 10/06/05 | Report Abuse

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Portland Classical Chinese Garden is one of the most unique gardens in the whole of Portland ....it has different kind of trees and flowers around ...it is just beautiful and pleasant ...not something that you will find in other gardens ..... they have a gift shop which has different kinds of things which you normally wouldn't see in other store...worth a trip at least once

Posted 09/26/05 | Report Abuse

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An authentic Suzhou-style garden, which opened only in the year 2000, it consumes a small city block and is a jewel in a gritty part of the city bordering Portland's Pearl District. Containing a lake and over 100 specimens of trees and other plants, this is one of the last things you'd expect in the area.

Posted 09/04/05 | Report Abuse

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The Classical Chinese Garden is something like something ethreal in that you step off of the noisy streets and into this classic work of nature and art, where you can find peace just in its beauty. Have tea at the little shop, or throw a beautiful wedding. The garden takes up an entire square block in an entirely unlikely section of town.

PROS: very beautiful
CONS: none

Posted 08/20/05 | Report Abuse

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I simplty LOVE The Portland Classical Chinese Garden! A great way to escape the hustle of Downtown. The serenity will calm you and the water is very cooling on a HOT summer day! So do yourself a favor and step into a Chinese painting for an afternoon! Take the guided tour! It is well worth it!

Posted 08/05/05 | Report Abuse

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