A truly unique sight in Portland is the inspiring Classical Chinese Garden, an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden featuring bridges, pavilions, covered walkways, and open colonnades, all surrounded by a breathtaking landscape planted with traditional flowers and trees. Built by Suzhou artisans, the garden includes over five hundred tons of limestone rocks, called Tai Hu, that were mined and shipped from China's Lake Tai and which are traditionally believed to possess qualities of harmony, tranquility, and serenity.
A true urban oasis, the park offers guided or self-guided audio tours around Lake Zither and the grounds, which occupy an entire city block. After a peaceful few hours on the shaded, fragrant walkways, visitors should stop in at the Tower of Cosmic Reflections where they'll be welcomed at the garden's teahouse for a cup of authentic Chinese tea, a light snack, and relaxing views of the garden.
