Things to see and do Portland

The two golden lions mark the entrance to Chinatown. This is a tradition found in all American Chinatowns. The door was installed in 1986, when the district had already existed for nearly a century. You can see red lamp posts in this area too. In reality Chinatown is an abandoned neighborhood where homeless people are massing and we advise you not to go too far west it is a bit of an evil resident. This neighborhood, which was actually a little Japanese Tokyo, was emptied of its inhabitants after the Second World War, when the Americans decided to drive out Japanese migrants after the Pearl Harbor attack. The Chinese have stayed, but there are only a few restaurants not the best and newest, and blinds closed.

Here you are in the heart of the city, in what the locals call their "living room". The square attracts the entire city, which comes to attend the numerous concerts and festivals that are taking place there. The tourist office is also installed there. The involvement of the inhabitants played a major role in the creation of this place. In 1951, The Portland Hotel was destroyed (built in 1890) and the area remains fallow for years. In 1980, S's wanted to build a car park. Petitions are circulating against this project and red bricks at USD 25 per unit are bought by residents, to build a place instead of parking. The names of the donors who contributed to this development are engraved on these bricks. From the hotel, there is only the large portal of wrought iron. You can read the history of the square at the bottom of Pioneer Square. Around the square is Pioneer Courthouse (1875), the oldest building in Portland, and still its current court of justice. There will also be 25 bronze statues, representing Oregon's wildlife and carried out by Gerber Georgia. Beaver, deer, otters, cubs in the square.

A haven of peace in the heart of the city! Born of the relationship between Portland and Suzhou, a twin city located in the People's Republic of China, Lan Su Garden is the perfect replica of the famous traditional gardens of the Ming Dynasty. Inspired by the philosophy of Taoism, the place cultivates the principle of serenity in an idyllic setting: the country's trees, plants and flowers dress a traditional architecture that calls for spirituality. Many activities are organised throughout the year. For example, you can take a Tai Chi course (every Saturday of the Month), learn to play at Wei Chi or attend a calligraphie demonstration.

This magnificent residence was built in 1914 on the orders of the couple Pittock, Henry and Georgiana. They each participated in the development of the city of Portland, editing the newspaper The Oregonian, and introducing the zweibrücken and the Rose Festival. Today their house is an interesting witness to the lifestyle of this era. If the house visit is paid, the park is in free access. Take a stopover to enjoy the splendid view of Portland and the Cascade chain.

It's one of the jewels of Washington Park. Horticultural enthusiasts will make it a must, but the entrance fee has exaggeratedly doubled in two years. This beautiful place is renowned as the most authentic Japanese garden outside Japan. The Japanese ambassador confirmed during one of his visits to Portland. To be seen rather in spring, when the bushes bloom and scent the air.

The emblematic pulse of the Oregon forests lies proudly in the heart of the Plaza Blocks. Called by the 24 ^th Mayor of Portland, David Thompson businessman, in 1900, this bronze statue was in his very controversial erection. First, because it is actually a fountain for horses, installed in the middle of the street, which, from time to time, could cause great traffic jams. Next, because The Elks, or Exalted Order of Elks, a very private club derived from franc, declared the momentum created by sculptor Roland Hinton Perry'a monstrosity of art '. However, the momentum resists and in 1974 it is, with the Plaza Blocks, classified as historic monument. Today, its position seems strange, it seems to turn its back on traffic and the city, but it must be remembered that it is leaning towards the west and the promised land, namely the Pacific Ocean. Gus Van Sant, from Portland, immortalized her in My Own Private Idaho.

Built in 1982 under Michael Graves, this building is the first example of postmodern architecture in the United States. With its various materials, small windows and the predominance of stone, it differs radically from the other office buildings built at that time. In 1985, the Portlandia statue of Raymond Kaskey was added. It is the second largest U.S. copper statue (the first one being the statue of Liberty). The building now houses the city's offices. Since 2006, the building has been covered by a "green roof" which allows for the evacuation of heat and more ecological moisture.

Founded in 1888 with the financing of Stephen G. Skidmore businessman, this fountain is located at the western end of the Burnside Bridge, among the beautiful Victorian houses. His creator, Olin Levi Warner, inspired the fountains of Versailles, a few years earlier during a trip to France. On Saturday, a market surrounds the place where the fountain is located and many artists are there.

This park stretches on the banks of the river Willamette River over nearly 3 km. Festivals and concerts are held there during the summer while the children play around Salmon Street Springs Fountain and the runners continue their journey. This project was realized thanks to Tom McCall, Governor of Oregon from 1966 to 1974. Recognized for his many actions in favour of the environment, he worked for the preservation of the banks of Willamette River in Portland. In 1970, it transformed the highway into a green drive for urban dwellers. At the time, his project is greeted by shouting at national level - we want to finance new highways, but certainly not remove them! Yet today what's become the Tom McCall Waterfront Park is One of the city's pride. McCall will be shown in other projects, such as the Oregon bottle bill, a law that invites to recycle bottles and other cans in exchange for a few dollars.

Established between 2001 and 2006, Brewery Blocks stretches from NW 13 ^th Avenue to NW 10 ^th Avenue, and from north to south between NW Davis and NW Burnside Streets. They integrate the former site of the Blitz-Weinhard brewery and participate in the post-industrial rehabilitation of the Pearl District. Dozens of shops and restaurants have been installed there. And obviously facilities are environmentally friendly. Portland or the art of making a trendy mall!

This huge rose garden, where a variety of 400 roses bloom, offers a nice view of the city. It was started during the Second World War when we wanted to protect the varieties of European roses. Today, every new rose is planted here, making it the largest garden in the world. The walk is pleasant, especially to discover the inadequate names of some roses and feel their perfume to the air. Don't miss Shakespeare Garden, which brings together all the roses mentioned in the British playwright's parts. At the beginning of June, the Rose Festival took place here.

This arboretum houses over 1 600 species of endemic and exotic trees. We come here for the magnolias and cornouillers in the spring, the conifers in summer, the maples in autumn and the holly in winter. For more information and to know where the approximately 20 km of trails go, go to the information centre where guides can guide you. The arboretum is one of the quietest locations in Portland.

These three peaceful little squares have not always been. During the occupy movements in 2011, they served as the base camp for the civil disobedience supporters of Occupy Portland. This movement is inspired by Occupy Wall Street, launched in New York in 2011, itself inspired by the Arab Spring. Participants are peacefully protesting against social inequalities and the power of financial power. The protesters began their capture of Chapman Square, Terry Schrunk Plaza and Lownsdale Square on October 6. A walk of 10 000 demonstrators to Pioneer Square is then organized. If the camp was dismantled in November at the behest of the mayor, the Organisation Portland organization remained active since then.