Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden swapped its usual zen vibes for festive energy this week as crowds gathered to welcome the Year of the Horse! 🎉 The 26-year-old Suzhou-style garden – built in 2000 through a partnership with Portland’s sister city Suzhou – became a hub of red lanterns, drumbeats, and laughter during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Visitors soaked up lion dances that snaked through walkways 🦁, tried their hand at traditional paper-cutting crafts ✂️, and cheered for dragon dance troupes whose silken figures shimmered under winter skies 🐉. The garden’s koi ponds and moon gates framed a perfect blend of cultural pride and community joy.
“This place usually feels like a meditation app come to life,” said local attendee Maya Chen, 24. “But today? It’s all firecracker energy – in the best way!” 🔥
The event highlights growing cross-cultural ties between the U.S. and China, with Portland’s Suzhou collaboration continuing to thrive. As one performer noted: “Horses symbolize perseverance – perfect energy for 2026!” 🏇
