As you move through World Showcase in Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll come across the China pavilion, located in between Norway and Germany. While there aren’t any thrill rides here, you should still take the time to explore the pavilion and learn more about the country. There’s so much to love here.
12. Joy of Tea
The Joy of Tea cart located near the water in the China pavilion doesn’t just offer hot teas, but slushies and ice cream as well. This is perfect for those hot days when you want something other than soda to cool you down. Favorites include the strawberry oolong tea slush and mango green tea slush.
11. Alcoholic Beverages
China also has some unique flavors for their adult beverages at Joy of Tea. Besides the usual selection of beer, guests 21 and older can try a green tea plum slush with plum wine or a mango gingerita with vodka and rum. Other selections can be found at the Table Service restaurant or Quick Service counter.
10. Reflections of China
The pavilion’s one attraction, Reflections of China, gives guests a glimpse into the county’s history, traditions, and entertainment. The show is presented in a 360-degree theater with standing room only. This allows guests to get the full effect of the beautiful scenery of China, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
9. Shopping
China’s pavilion also has some great places to shop. With two gift shops, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, you have a chance to bring home your own piece of China. Everything from snacks to tea sets to clothing can be found here. You can even get your own good fortune cat to bring home.
8. Lotus Blossom Café
The Lotus Blossom Café is China’s Quick Service station where you can get egg rolls, noodle bowls, and rice bowls. You have your choice of indoor seating or outdoor seating with a view of the gardens and the temple towards the center of the pavilion. Most of the time there isn’t a long wait so if you’re looking for something quick, you won’t have to fight a crowd to place your order.
7. Nine Dragons Restaurant-Décor
By making a reservation at China’s Nine Dragons Restaurant, you get a feast for the eyes as well as your stomach. Walking in there’s a beautiful glass etching of two dragons and colored glass designs can be found throughout the Table Service restaurant. Lanterns are used as inspiration for the lighting and the tables located near the windows offer a great view of Illuminations at night.
6. Nine Dragons Restaurant-Food
If you think you’ve had Chinese food before, you haven’t eaten at Nine Dragons. Due to the fact you can order Chinese just about anywhere in the country, this restaurant is usually one of the easier places to book a reservation, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. The food is exquisitely prepared and the wine and beer menu is extensive. If you haven’t eaten here before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
5. Jeweled Dragon Acrobats
During select times throughout the day, weather pending, you can catch quick show of the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats right outside the pavilion. The team, comprised of men and women, perform summersaults through the air and take on some pretty amazing stunts. As the shows are outdoors, there’s no queue for this. You can walk right up and enjoy the free show.
4. Meet Mulan
China is also where you can meet Mulan and have your picture taken with her. Now that she’s saved China, she’s available to meet park guests and sign a few autographs. Times she is available can be found at the pavilion or on the My Disney Experience App.
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3. Temple of Heaven
When entering the China pavilion, the thing that stands out the most is the architecture of the Temple of Heaven, which is a replica about half the size of the real thing. With 12 pillars, each representing a month in the Chinese calendar, it’s a wonderful representation of the Chinese culture. When you step inside, be sure to test out the acoustics. Depending on where you stand, you could whisper and still be heard on the other side of the dome.
2. Tomb Warriors
Once inside the Temple, you’ll have the chance to see the Tomb Warriors exhibit. These statues are modeled after the real Tomb Warriors which are life-size statues that cover a 22 square mile area, with each soldier having a different sculpted face. The exhibit in Epcot is a miniature version of this, but pictures of the real thing are also on display.
1. The Gardens
The gardens in China make this pavilion unique from the rest of World Showcase in that it creates a peaceful, serine environment. As many guests pass this pavilion over, it’s usually not overly crowded so you take your time crossing the bridge and looking at the environment around you. It’s an ideal place to take a moment to yourself and relax.
China is a great pavilion to visit if you’re willing to take the time to explore it properly. You can’t rush through it or you’ll risk missing out on something great.
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