An ensemble of performers dance a Chinese Dragon through a traditional Chinese pagoda at the Lan Su Chinese Garden on June 12. Photos provided to China Daily

A Chinese diplomat gets reminded of home in the heart of a bustling American metropolis

For Luo Linquan, Consul-General at the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco, his one-day trip on June 12 to the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, Oregon, was like a memory-refreshing homecoming.

"Today we are celebrating the 27th anniversary of the Sister Cities relationship between Suzhou and Portland, and the 15th anniversary of the Lan Su Chinese Garden," said Luo at a welcoming banquet in his honor hosted by Portland Mayor Charlie Hales. "I thank people from all walks of life in Portland for their continuous efforts at strengthening our friendship."

Arranged around a central pond, the walled 40,000-square-foot garden features an extensive plant collection arranged in harmony with stone structures, ponds, walking paths and traditional Chinese pavilions, towers, corridors and bridges.

Regarded as an oasis of urban tranquility and an escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland, Lan Su Garden is the product of a collaboration between Portland and Suzhou, Jiangsu province, and has embodied the spirit of their Sister Cities relationship since 1988.