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Celebrate The Chinese New Year With A Magical Lantern Festival At Lan Su Chinese Garden In Oregon

Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland is a prime location to celebrate the Chinese New Year with lantern festivals and cultural events.

Published Jan 4, 2020

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

We may have welcomed the year 2020 on January 1st, but that's just the beginning of the fun! The Chinese New Year is right around the corner, and it brings plenty more celebrations. One of the best places in Oregon to ring in the Chinese New Year is the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, and you won't want to miss the magical lantern festivals.

Lan Su Chinese Garden is a favorite for visitors from all over the state.

Aerial view of traditional Chinese architecture with lush greenery, a pond, and festive decorations.
Lan Su Chinese Garden/Facebook

It's built from traditional designs going back 2,000 years, and incorporates art, architecture, culture, and nature. A visit to this garden is a treat any time of year, but during the Chinese New Year celebration, it's even more special.

The Chinese New Year begins on January 25, 2020, and ends on February 8th. This year is the Year of the Rat!

Colorful floral design with a gold rat symbol, lanterns, and "Happy Chinese New Year" text on a red background.
pattarasin/iStock/via Getty Images

The rat is the first of the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs. You're a rat if you were born in 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, or 2020. Characteristics of people with this Zodiac sign include hard-working, resourceful, successful, and charming.

The Lan Su Chinese Garden will host a celebration for the new year through February 9th, and there are tons of exciting events.

A traditional pavilion with lanterns reflects in a pond, surrounded by greenery, with a modern skyscraper in the background.
Lan Su Chinese Garden

Every day of the celebration is exciting. You'll enjoy family-friendly crafts...

Red ribbons with gold coins hanging from branches, featuring Chinese characters and symbols for good fortune.
Lan Su Chinese Garden/Facebook

...performances by local schools and martial arts groups...

Children in colorful costumes dance joyfully in a festive outdoor setting, surrounded by decorations and other performers.
Lan Su Chinese Garden/Facebook

...and lion dances, which are performed several times a day on Saturdays and Sundays.

A lion dance performance in front of a large crowd near a pond, with traditional decorations and red lanterns.
Lan Su Chinese Garden/Facebook

Make sure to visit at night to see the glowing lanterns during the Lantern Viewing Evenings. Check out the 20-foot-long dragon!

A brightly lit dragon lantern floats on water, reflecting in the dark, surrounded by traditional lanterns and architecture.
Lan Su Chinese Garden

Lantern Viewing Evenings will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th.

A vibrant dragon lantern with glowing lights, surrounded by red decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.
Lan Su Chinese Garden

The weekends offer the most activities during this celebration, but no matter which day you visit, you'll learn more about Chinese culture and the Year of the Rat!

A crowd of people in colorful raincoats stands by a pond, enjoying a festive event with red lanterns overhead.
Lan Su Chinese Garden/Facebook

Find out all the details of this fun festival and get your tickets in advance on the Lan Su Chinese Garden website, and make sure to follow the garden's Facebook page for updates!

Are you planning to attend this festival for the Chinese New Year? Tag the friends you want to join you.

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