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Offering patrons and guests a gateway to a different place and time, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden (PCCG) welcomes more than 150,000 visitors from throughout the world every year. The garden, which occupies one city block in OldTown ChinaTown, has blossomed into one of the most prominent symbols of Chinese culture in the West Coast, and is well-known as the most authentic and largest Suzhou-style garden outside of China.

Under the leadership of Gloria Lee, executive director, PCCG is at the heart of the revitalization OldTown Chinatown neighborhood. Six years after it opened its doors to the public, the garden has served as a cornerstone for transforming the neighborhood into an inviting and dynamic business and cultural corridor.

Throughout her 30 years’ professional experience in the food and hospitality industry, Lee rose through the ranks to become Vice President of Merchandising for SYSCO Portland. Born and raised in Arlington, Virginia, she moved to the West Coast in 1968 to attend California State University. “I was a hippie,” she said with a smile. “I’ve always believed that it’s important to choose where you want to live, then choose what you love to do.”

Thriving in a competitive corporate environment, Lee honed her skills in negotiation, leadership and change management to spearhead what she considers as the “biggest startup” she has ever led. In 2000, she decided to take the plunge to a new phase in her career to take on the role of Executive Director of the Portland Classical Chinese Garden.

Oregon political and business leaders first developed the concept for a Suzhou-style garden in Portland after a trade and culture mission through China in 1985. Over the years, prominent Oregonians – including former Portland Mayor Vera Katz, former City Commissioner Mike Lindberg, and Congressman David Wu – supported the establishment of a sister-city relationship with Suzhou. According to Lee, cultivating this relationship was a vital building block in making the PCCG dream a reality.

“Through our efforts, we’re working to help position Portland as an economic center for international commercial exchange, while revitalizing the OldTown ChinaTown area,” said Lee.

Planners and developers worked extensively with their counterparts in Suzhou to learn about the intricacies of creating an authentic Chinese Scholar’s garden. Majority of the materials used in the construction of the garden were shipped from China. Artisans and builders from China worked alongside U.S. construction crews, who completed site preparation and foundation work.

In 2000, 15 years after the concept for a garden to serve as a “living museum” was formed in the minds and hearts of Oregonians, the garden opened its doors to visitors from across the globe. Lee leveraged her extensive corporate experience in leading the garden to self-sustainability. “Our goal is managing the garden like any business, to make it into a self-sustaining entity. It was important for us to balance our passion for our mission with practicality and common sense.”

Combined with a focus on operational effectiveness, among the primary goals of the garden is to celebrate the values and tradition of ancient China, while also creating environment of contemplation, leisure and artistic enjoyment. “We’ve been successful at capturing the essence of the natural and manmade in the same space. It’s really a miracle garden. It accomplished all the things we set out to do,” said Lee. “We’re fortunate to have more than 120 dedicated volunteers that help ensure the garden lives in perpetuity. We couldn’t have done this without active volunteerism and the philanthropic support of major corporations.”

Lee is appreciative of the community support the garden has received over the years. The garden is the centerpiece of the overhaul of the OldTown ChinaTown neighborhood, breathing new life to one of Portland’s most culturally and historically rich communities. Recently, PCCG commemorated its sixth year of operation concurrently with the grand opening celebration of newly renovated Festival Streets, NW Davis and NW Flanders. Hundreds attended the multicultural celebration honoring the past, present, and future of Chinatown. “I find my work very fulfilling and meaningful. I like knowing that I’m personally contributing to Portland’s well-being and preserving our culture,” Lee said.

While the garden highlights Chinese aesthetics, art and culture, PCCG staff work hard to incorporate multiethnic and multicultural events to appeal to a broader scope of visitors. The garden’s “Tuesdays by Twilight” concert series features musicians and performers from all musical genres, including jazz, classical and salsa.

"The garden also serves an educational tool, to educate adults and children about Chinese culture. Part of our goal is to create a positive identity for all generations of Chinese-Americans,” said Lee. East Meets West, a cultural education curriculum, incorporates social studies, language arts, art and science in interactive content-rich activities for K-12 students. Historical, linguistic and cultural highlights of China’s past and present are interwoven into a study of these elements.

Lee’s untiring efforts and influence is much appreciated in the community, says Joe D'Alessandro President of the Portland Oregon Visitors Association. “Gloria’s sense of loyalty and dedication to POVA's mission; the betterment of our community as reflected in her tireless efforts on behalf of the Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood association to promote Chinatown during the most challenging period in its history; her support of fellow Chinese citizens; and last but definitely not least, the 24/7 management of the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, a truly magnificent showcase of Chinese history and culture. All these reflect on her values and integrity as a human being and true business professional. She is truly unique and well-appreciated by many in Portland.”