The Dragon: A Living Symbol of Spirit and Strength
In Chinese culture, the dragon is not a beast to be feared, but a symbol to be celebrated.
It embodies power without tyranny, wisdom without arrogance, and strength guided by purpose.
The dragon dances not just to dazzle, but to unite—bringing people together in joy, pride, and cultural spirit.
It carries the hopes of a people, the blessings of prosperity, and the legacy of a thousand years.
To follow the dragon is to walk with courage.
To become the dragon is to rise with honor.
Organizers
Oregon Chinese Coalition, Oregon Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Old Town Community Association and affiliated allies and non-profit cultural heritage venues invite you to celebrate Asian Heritage Month. If you have history in Old Town, you are invited to participate. Thank you to the Old Town Community Association and Travel Oregon for sponsoring. Media contact: glorialeeglo@yahoo.com or text to 971-506-0589.
Join us in revitalizing Chinatown and celebrating its rich cultural heritage. Let’s come together to make this an unforgettable event and establish a new annual tradition!
Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Time: 11am–5pm
Place: Chinatown, Portland
NW Davis Street – Cultural Performances (11-5pm)
NW Flanders Street – Food Vendors & NPOs (11am-5pm)
NW 3rd Ave – Dragon Activities (11am-5pm)
NW 4th Ave - Crafts Activities (11am-5pm)
NW 4th Ave - Community Art Show (11am-5pm)
Various Locations - Traditional Chinese Tong & Association Open House (1-4pm)
Event Site Map
Parking
SmartPark Garages @ Naito & Davis - Open 24/7 - 33 NW Davis St
Rate: $2/hour, $7 all day
Aerial Map
Security
The Portland Police Bureau will have a table on-site and officers patrolling the area on bikes.
Sign Up
Join us in revitalizing Chinatown and celebrating its rich cultural heritage. Let’s come together to make this an unforgettable event and establish a new annual tradition!
Sign up here to be the volunteer at the event
Sign up here to host crafts and other OCC-related activities
Sign up here to perform on outdoor stage (36’x32’ dance floor)
Sign up here to volunteer with dragon activities (OCC dragon group)
Sign up here to be a bronze plaque walking tour guide volunteer
Dragon Groups
Lee Association Dragon & Lion Dance
International Lion Dance
Portland Women’s Association Female Dragon Dance
OCC Dragon Volunteer Group
All dragons are on site for the group photo at 1pm
Traditional Chinese Tong and Association Open House (1-4pm)
中華會館 CCBA, including its Museum, 315 NW Davis St.
朔源堂 Soo Yuen Assn., 317 NW 4th Ave.
合勝堂 Hop Sing Assn., 317 NW 4th Ave.
協勝堂 Hip Sing Assn., 211 NW 3rd Ave.
至考篤親公所 Gee How Oak Tin Assn., 26 NW 4th Ave.
Please follow the route and no photograph inside buildings.
Museums and Chinese Garden
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Museum (Free admission)
Japanese American Museum of Oregon (Pay as you will)
Lan Su Chinese Garden (Pay as you will)
Oregon Jewish Museum(Pay as you will)
Portland Chinatown Museum (Pay as you will)
Ethnic Food and Beverage Vendors
Feed the Mass
Goodies Snack Shop
Little Beijing
LoLo S San Xiang
Community Art Show
This annual event celebrates local Chinese Americans with a passion for the arts — of all ages and skill levels. Thanks to the support of City Team, the art show will continue to stay in Chinatown. This year, it becomes a featured part of the large community celebration, Return of the Dragon. Be sure to stop by – it’s just across the street from the stage performances!
Please see the art show flyer for details.
Performance Groups and Individuals Ordered by signup time
Mulan Drum Team
Phoenix Hanfu Team
Dragonfly Diabolo Team
Jade Dance Team
Portland Harmonics
Oregon Hope Chinese School
Bluebell Dance Team
SODA Chinese Dance Academy
Rose House Senior Dance Team
Hope Chinese Charter School
US Wushu Center
YZ Dance Studio
Winnie Dance Academy
Portland 21st Street Golden Sunset Qipao Showcase
LuLu Guzheng Studio
WE Youth String Ensemble
Palisade World Language School
Huayun Arts Society
Chuan Opera Face Changing by Nelson
Violin Solo by Erin Qiu
Chinese Dulcimer by Seline Dai
German International School Chinese Track
CCBA Chinese School
OCC Guitar Club
Duo Water Sleeve Dance by Emily and Katlyn
Portland Chinese Dance Troupe
Oregon Rhythmic Gymnastics & Dance Academy(https://www.orgdacademy.com/)
Cello Solo: Plum Blossom by Haocheng Li
more to come…
Traditional Crafts Activities
DIY Bookmarks / DIY 漆画书签
Pitch-Pot & Tangram / 投壶和七巧板 – hosted by International School of Portland
DIY Fan Painting / 画扇子
Brain-Teaser Games / 传统益智游戏
Calligraphy / 毛笔字体验 – hosted by Oregon Hope Chinese School
DIY Dried Flower Ornaments / DIY 干花吊饰
DIY Paper Dragon / DIY 纸龙
Rubbing Painting & Chinese Characters / 拓印画
Chinese Festival Poster Making / 年画
DIY Pinwheel / DIY 风车
Trying on Traditional Chinese Clothing / 汉服体验
Learning Diabolo or Chinese YoYo / 空竹体验
Chinatown Bronze Plaque Walking Tour
Guided walking tour with bronze plaques
12pm, 2pm, and 3:30pm, starting from Chinatown Museum
Mahjong and Ping Pong (12:30pm-5pm)
Mahjong and Ping Pong (Table tennis) are more than just games. For many Chinese families and communities, it’s a way to gather, chat, and strengthen relationships.
Location: CCBA Hall, 315 NW Davis St (north side of the stage)
Tabling NPOs and Agencies
Asian Health & Service Center, AHSC
Chinese American Citizens Alliance, CACA
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, CCBA
City Team
Bolton primary school
Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum
Lee Association Dragon and Lion Dance Team
Lines for Life
Multnomah County Library
OCC Emergency Preparedness
OCC Tobacco Prevention
Oregon Jewish Museum
Street Roots
Highlights from Previous Events
After seven years, Portland Chinatown is bringing back a beloved tradition! Return of the Dragon is inspired by the 2016-2018 Chinatown celebrations. This year, we are going even bigger, integrating Culture Day for a richer cultural experience and more community engagement.
2024 Culture Day
2023 Culture Day
2018 Chinese New Year Celebration in Chinatown