Portland Chinatown Gate

Overview

The Portland Chinatown Gate is a traditional Chinese gate spanning NW 4th Avenue at Burnside, marking the entrance to Portland's historic Chinatown. Donated by Portland's sister city Kaohsiung, Taiwan, it features five roofs and two bronze lions.

Highlights

• Five-Roof Design: One of the more elaborate Chinese gates in the United States.
• Bronze Lions: Guardian lion statues flank the entrance gates.
• Sister City Gift: A tangible symbol of Portland's international relationships.

History

The gate was gifted by Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and dedicated in 1986. Portland's Chinatown dates to the 1850s and was once the second-largest on the West Coast. Though the community has dispersed, the gate remains a landmark.

Visitor Tips

• Quick photo stop — the gate is most photogenic from the south side on Burnside.
• Combine with a visit to Lan Su Chinese Garden one block south.
• Duration: 5–10 minutes.