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The history of First Saturday PDX  is deeply entwined with the opening of the Portland Lan Su Chinese Garden (originally Lansuyuan, Garden of the Awakening Orchid)  in September, 2000. Modeled after the literati gardens of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this landscaping achievement literally has roots dating back thousands of years and transplanted from Portland's Sister City of Suzhou.   Like its ancient forebears, Portland's Chinese Garden has many layers of hidden meanings.   Full appreciation of the garden requires a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, history, and traditions, particularly those from the Ming Dynasty - thus our program was born.   Our logo, the white peony, is an auspicious traditional floral symbol of China, known as "the king of flowers".  Often called the "flower of wealth and honor" it is used to represent spring, prosperity and virtue. 
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What began as a continuing education program for the Garden’s docents expanded to include any interested in broadening perspectives about China and its impact on the world.  As a not-for-profit  organization dedicated to building bridges and increasing awareness,  First Saturday PDX  is proud to offer all of our presentations free of charge. We are able to do this because of the generosity of our guest speakers, our programming committee members, and faithful volunteers, all of whom donate their time - as well as an invaluable collaboration with Portland State University's Institute for Asian Studies and support from the Northwest China Council. 

Since 2001, ​First Saturday PDX  has offered over 170 public programs.  Following the academic calendar,  our season runs from September to June on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30 - 11:00 am, and is free and open to the public. Our location on the second floor (Rm 230) has an elevator and is wheelchair friendly, with unrestricted viewing and comfortable desks for taking notes.  

Each presentation is typically followed by a no host lunch  with our presenter where we continue the discussion and have some good food, Chinese style - come eat with us.
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​Our instructive program series has been developed in collaboration with PSU’s Institute for Asian Studies, and is free and open to the public.  Our regular monthly location has an elevator and is wheelchair friendly with unrestricted viewing and tables for note taking.  9:30 - 11:00 am  (click on address for directions):  For further information on our upcoming presentations, go to our Current Season Schedule page.  

Our Monthly Location: 
Portland State University, Academic & Student Recreation Ctr,  Room 230 (ASRC, 2nd Floor)
1800 SW 6th Ave, Portland OR 97201
Excellent MAX and bus transportation is right by the venue; plan your trip with TriMet HERE.  
There is also a nearby parking structure at SW 6th and Harrison with an entrance on 6th Avenue.
PSU Parking info:  
https://www.pdx.edu/transportation/hourly-visitor-parking