“Most cherished in this mundane world is a place without traffic;
truly in the midst of the city there can be mountain and forest.”
--Wen Zhengming (1470-1559)
Garden History
The Portland Classical Chinese Garden began as a dream in the early 1980’s. It grew when Portland and Suzhou, China, became sister cities in 1988 and the idea of a building a Suzhou-style garden in Portland became a goal.
The Five Elements
Rather than imitate nature, architects and horticulturalists of Chinese gardens strive to recreate an ideal landscape in miniature. The natural elements—rock mountains, lakes, and trees, along with their qi, or energy are brought together in harmony with architecture and poetry.
Living Collections
The living collections at the Garden present hundreds of native Chinese plant species and forms. The Garden is home to more than ninety specimen trees, many rare and unusual shrubs and perennials, and signature collections that include Magnolia, Cymbidium, Camellia, Osmanthus, Rhododendron and bamboo.