Chinatown in Portland, Oregon

Chinatown's Gateway, put together by craftsmen from Taiwan, marks the entrance to Chinatown in Portland, Oregon. This structure commemorates over 135 years of Chinese culture in Oregon. A total of 78 dragons and 58 characters from Chinese mythology decorate the Chinatown Gateway. Yin and Yang are represented by two lions: one male and one female. Yin protects the young and yang protects the nation. A time capsule is buried beneath one of the legs of the gateway.

Begin at the Chinatown Gateway at N.W. Fourth Avenue and Burnside Street. Allow at least 45 minutes for a leisurely visit. As you enter Chinatown, on the right (Fourth Avenue between Couch Street and Burnside Street) Chinese businesses have existed since 1910. Displayed on the wall above the stairwell are protective signs.

To the right is a building that Chin, Woo, and Yuen Family Association and the Gee How Oak Tin Association are housed in. Beside it is the Tung Sang Newspaper and Bookstore, and on the corner is Lum Yuen Seafood Restaurant featuring a moon gate entry, symbol for heaven in China.

Chinese culture and character is persevered with the ornamental flowering cherry trees that line Fourth Avenue for an entire block.

Hung Far Low at 112 N.W. Fourth Ave. has been operating since 1929. Beside Hung Far Low is China Wind Company, a bookstore, and beyond this bookstore is Huang's Art and Advertising business featuring a master calligrapher giving services through appointments. Another restaurant, Great China Seafood Restaurant, offers hot pot cooking.

Along Chinatown are street lamps embellished with gold and red coloring. These colors depict good luck and wealth. Taiwan donated banners which hang from the street lamps, illustrating the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.

An additional restaurant, House of Louie Restaurant on Davis St. is decorated with dragon pillars and ornate ceiling and wall decorations. The dragon and phoenix frieze symbolize good luck, on the wall outside.

The Chinese School, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, is open for visits on Saturday for observation of classes and perusal of the library and museum.

Locate Seven Stars Restaurant decorated with Chinese characters and see the location of Suy Sing Association, housing both Chinese residences and businesses.

As you come to the end of Chinatown, you will notice Republic Café and several Japanese and Chinese businesses. Beside the Republic Café is the Golden Horse Restaurant.

If you desire Chinese grocery items, Fong Chong's Grocery and Restaurant can accommodate you. Cantonese cuisine and dim sum is served in the restaurant.

Chinese art, antiques, embroidery, screens, porcelain and other items are sold at The Great Era on Third Street.

Classical Chinese Garden features a gift shop and tea house along with arched bridges and pavilions. Architects and artisans originating in Suzhou, China worked on the Chinese Garden.

Royal Palm Hotel provides transitional housing as well as other businesses. Other businesses and social organizations are visible from a walk originating on Third Avenue and continuing south to Couch Street. World Journal Portland Bookstore will come into view where you can enjoy Chinese language books and videos.

Enjoy!