September 23 marks the official beginning of autumn—and what better way to honor the changing season than with a month-long tea party? This October, Portland's Lan Su Chinese Garden and the Tao of Tea will team up for 31 days of tea-fueled fun and reflection. 

Spanning nearly 5,000 years, China’s relationship to tea is deeply woven into the country’s history and culture. Scholars and healers have used tea as a cure for ailments, nobility consumed tea to signify their status, and many others simply enjoyed its flavor. As one Chinese proverb states, “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”

The Tao of Tea is no stranger to Lan Su. The tea company's second location opened in the garden's peaceful Tower of Cosmic Reflections, and continues to serve as a peaceful space to connect visitors with the Chinese spirit of the garden while inspiring through education and attention to flavor.

Here's what's in store for the fifth annual Tea & Art in the Garden celebration.

These events are included with the price of admission to the garden, located in Northwest Portland's historic Chinatown:

• Create your own tea blend with a hands-on experience led by tea experts every Friday from 1 to 3 pm
• Explore an exhibit of ceramic teaware featuring five local Portland artists
• Meet artists and learn about the craft of ceramics every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 pm 
• Put your tastebuds to the test with the "Teas of Mystery" challenge Saturdays from 1 to 3 pm
• Learn about traditional Gingfu tea ceremony with Red Robe Teahouse & Café Mondays from 11 am to 12 pm

These Tao of Tea events in the garden's teahouse require a minimum purchase of tea:

• October 5, 11 am–4 pm: Tea & Poetry, a poetry reading series by five local poets
• October 12, 11 am–4 pm: Tea & Music ,featuring Zhu Quan with his Cha Pu ‘tea manual’ and music of the guqin
• October 19, 11 am–4:30 pm: Tea, art and calligraphy with local brush painting artists
• October 26, 11 am–4 pm is Tea & Wei Qi, where guests will learn how to play an ancient Chinese board game

Where? Lan Su Chinese Garden is located at 239 NW Everett Street. For more information about the garden, visit www.lansugarden.org.  For more on The Tao of Tea go to www.taooftea.com. 
How much? Daily admission is $9.50 with reduced rates for students, seniors and families
When? Open hours are 10 am–6 pm daily