Beyond the Garden Walls:  A Curator's Cultural Encounters in China
Venus Sun, VP of Culture and Community
Lan Su Chinese Garden
3 January, 2026      ​
​9:30 am - 11:00 am, PT ​
Join First Saturday PDX as Venus Sun shares stories from her recent journey through Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi’an, and Beijing.

From behind-the-scenes visits to Suzhou’s classical gardens to observing cultural interpretation trends, China’s unique business etiquette, and even bathroom culture, Venus offers a candid and humorous glimpse into life beyond the postcard views. The adventure also included a Hanfu dress-up experience in Xi’an — a playful step into history and fashion.

Come laugh, learn, and explore a China both timeless and ever-evolving through the eyes of a cultural storyteller.​
About our speaker:
Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Venus Sun believes her mission in life is to be a lifelong storyteller. Bringing over
15 years of expertise in event planning, public relations, and project management, Venus possesses a profound understanding of cultural programming and nonprofit leadership. Her deep knowledge of Chinese cultural symbolism, history, and literature enriches her work in cultural interpretation and cross-cultural communications. Venus joined Lan Su Chinese Garden in 2015 and currently serves as the Vice President of Culture and Community, spearheading initiatives that promote cultural appreciation and community cohesion.
Check-in begins promptly at 9:15am
​Please meet at the SOUTH SIDE entrance doors
(north side doors are to the Physics side of the building)

​**This is an on-site presentation. 
Reed College, Biology Building, B19 Auditorium (lower level)
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

The large East Parking Lot (free) is conveniently located nearby to the Biology Building, adjacent to the neighboring ETC (Educational Technology Center), see campus map here

Public transportation is available, plan your TriMet trip HERE.  (The #19 bus stops right on SE Woodstock East Parking entrance to the campus.

​We recommend that attendees be vaccinated and boosted, and follow CDC guidelines regarding masking.
For those interested in continuing the conversation, there will be a casual no host lunch family style with the speaker at a Chinese restaurant afterwards.   Registration is required for this; please bring cash for ease of payment.
Our program series is supported by Reed College, Northwest China Council, Lan Su Chinese Garden, PSU's IAS, and Portland Chinatown Museum.   ​
​All our programs are free and open to the public.   ​