Bells commemorating the sister city relationships between Khaosuing, Taiwan, and Portland; and between Hsinchu, Taiwan, and Beaverton, greet visitors at the Oregon Convention Center.

Did You Know...

The rose, Portland's signature flower, was first cultivated in China 5,000 years ago.

Chinese immigrants brought with them extensive knowledge of acupuncture, herbal remedies, vegetable seeds for their gardens, exquisite cuisine, sophisticated art forms, the practice of meditation, Taoist arts and Buddhism.

From 1880 to 1910, Portland had the second largest Chinese community in the West.

The Bing cherry was named after an Oregon farmer of Chinese descent.

Portland is home to three tofu factories and two fortune cookie factories.

Color is symbolic: red means good luck and happiness; gold, prosperity and money; white, mourning.

Flower motifs represent the four seasons: plum, winter; peony, spring; lotus, summer; chrysanthemum, fall.

Rice has six names in Mandarin.

Fortune cookies are an American invention. Portland’s Yat Sing Music Club has performed classical Chinese music since 1941.

Members of Portland’s Chinese community formed the American Chinese Brigade in 1898, serving this country during the Spanish-American War.

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