The China Pavilion is a cultural area within Epcot theme park where Guests of all ages can experience the art, architecture and traditions of China. Enter one of the world's oldest civilizations and discover the wonders of China. Visit the Temple of Heaven and relax in serene gardens with tranquil reflecting ponds. Discover authentic tomb sculptures from Ancient China that date back 2,000 years. There is also a miniature recreation of the tomb of China's first emperor.
Visitors enter the China Pavilion through a large Chinese gate. The courtyard is dominated by a replica of the Temple of Heaven, which contains the entrance to "Reflections of China", a Circle-Vision 360 movie exploring China's history and scenery, as well as a museum containing several ancient Chinese artifacts. The courtyard is bordered by shops selling Chinese merchandise, and two Chinese restaurants. The pavilion is decorated with ponds, crossed by bridges. Chinese acrobats also perform frequently in the pavilion.
Attractions
China seems to be divided in two. The left side is more commercial, the right is more picturesque.
Reflections of China
Reflections of China is a 13-minute, 360-degree film capturing the nation's epic beauty, shown in the China Pavilion at Epcot theme park. Explore China as never before in this stirring Circle-Vision 360 film that puts you in the center of the action. Trek across almost-mythical locales and soak in the atmosphere as the ancient-poet narrator expounds on this fascinating culture rich with history and tradition. Sweep from Beijing to Shanghai, from inner Mongolia to the Forbidden City, from the distant lands of the Hunan province to the Great Wall, discovering all the brilliant facets of this Land of Many Faces.
Tomb Warriors
A replica of the Terracotta Army. The figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
Entertainment
Dragon Legend Acrobats - an energetic display of agility, strength and balance by young students from the Pu Yang Academy of Acrobatics in China.
Si Xian - Shanghai region folk music entertain in the Temple of Heaven.
Touring Tips
- If you go to the temple in China and stand in the very middle of the round room, it is acoustically perfect. So say something! Because it is acoustically perfect, you will hear yourself talk.
- The Reflections of China is shown on the half hour. Use the time before the next showing to view the Land of Many Faces gallery.
- If the 360 degree movie screen makes you a little dizzy, stand near the back of the room, you'll be able to see most of the film. Remember, this is a standing attraction.
- Holidays from Around the World features storytellers in each country. In China, the Monkey King tells of celebrations.
- If you have a craving for Chinese food, there's the Nine Dragons Restaurant, the Lotus Blossom Cafe counter serve and the "Joy of Tea" counter serve spot.
- The China pavilion deserves a close look. It is quite pretty and the intricacy of the carvings is amazing. If you're looking for a spot where you can enjoy a few minutes of peace, this is it. There are footbridges, bamboo groves, a small waterfall and ponds which provide the perfect getaway from the crowds.
- The Dragon Legend acrobats entertain guests throughout the day. When these children perform, it always attracts a good sized crowd.
- Also be sure to check out the replica of the Terracotta Army. The figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
Dining
Nine Dragons - Serving lunch and dinner featuring Chinese cuisine. One of the few restaurants in the World Showcase where you'll often find availability. Nine Dragons features cuisine from the four regions of China: Cantonese, Szechuan, Kiangche and Mandarin. The expansive dining room is lavishly decorated in ornate Oriental fashion. Lacquered woods, rich reds and beautiful fabrics create an elegant and serene atmosphere.
Lotus Blossom Cafe - Counter Serve focusing on Asian cuisine. Egg Rolls, Grilled Chicken, Stir Fry, Specialty Drinks.
Shopping
The Yong Feng Shangdian shop - One of the largest shopping destinations in the World Showcase. It has a wide variety of merchandise from silk clothing, lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay furniture, Yixing teapots and jade carvings, to stuffed pandas, incense, candles, and paper fans. Beijing Cloisonne Ware is one of the specialty items found here, as well as, Chinese lanterns, Oriental carpets and Jingdezhen Chinaware. In the jewelry section of the store you will find gorgeous coral, jade, and crystal pieces. After walking through the entire shop you exit into an open air market that offers books on meditation, calligraphy and the Chinese language. You will also find childrens' toys and Kidcot.
Facts
- The pavilion served as the backdrop for a music video for one of the film's songs, "Reflection", performed by a then-unknown Christina Aguilera.
- Reflections of China debuted May 2003.
- The three-tiered, circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is a one-half scale reproduction of its counterpart inside the Temple of Heaven complex near Beijing. Many of its architectural details, both inside and out, have important significance to the Chinese people. Inside the hall, there are 12 outer columns supporting the roof. They represent the 12 months of the year and the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. Closer to the center of the room are 4 columns representing the four seasons. These columns support a beam, representing Earth, which is topped by a round beam, signifying Heaven.
- Filming the Wonders of China proved to be quite challenging for the crew. For one sequence on Huangshan Mountain, the crew and 40 laborers had to carry the three-hundred pound camera and other equipment to the top, over a mile in height.
- To reflect the gardening style of China, the pavilion features a very loosely structured landscape. There is no b feeling of being either inside or outside of the garden. The lack of structure of the China garden is deceiving because, as in the Japan garden, the symbolism is b. Chinese gardens are designed to be quiet, still and passive, as in the meditation pool. The zoysia grass is left alone to grow as it would look in China. Plants are used sparingly with the accent on those with unusual color. Several fruit trees, orange, plum and pomegranate are also part of the landscape.
- In order to depict the intricate tile work patterns of the original Temple of Heaven, the Imagineers artisans screen printed hundreds of exact replications of its detailed patterns onto each and every tile at Epcot.
Hidden Mickey
- Near the front of the pavilion, there is a light poster decorated with carvings of roses - there is a trio of roses bunched close together that may very well remind you of a certain mouse.
- In the "Dragon, Ruler of the Wind and Waves" exhibit, find Mickey's head in the clouds of a dragon mural, close to the tail.
- Take a look at the pavilion's banners - the clouds along the bottom may form a familiar pattern.