Epcot's China Pavilion

China is may be one of the most beautiful stops on a tour around World Showcase. Guests can often meet Mulan and Mushu near the large Chinese Gate that beckons them further into the pavilion. The tranquil garden courtyard sits in a quiet beauty and guests are drawn through it to the magnificent three-tiered Hall of Prayer.

Beautiful Chinese Gate Beckons Guests to Enter the Pavilion
The building is a one-half scale reproduction of its original counterpart inside the Temple of Heaven complex near Beijing and it dominates the garden courtyard of the pavilion. The striking architectural details have important significance to the Chinese people and Disney Imagineers too care to make sure that they were exact.

Hall of Prayer Building
When Epcot opened it debuted an amazing piece of cinematic treasure inside this immaculately detail structure that was one of the most unique attractions in the park. Disney cinematographers had been given access to places that no westerners had been and filmed before, which made the China pavilion one of the most treasured attractions in all of Epcot. In 2003 the original movie was replaced with "Reflections of China" which is narrated by an actor playing Li Bai, an ancient Chinese poet. For 13 minutes, Li Bai takes guests on an epic tour of the Chinese countryside and historical structures including the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City in Beijing, Hunan, Guilin, Suzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The breathtaking 360 degree views offer a look at the country that to many is still shrouded in secrecy.

Detail inside the Hall of Prayer
I often pop into the House of the Whispering Willows gallery exhibit, to visit the "Tomb Warriors Guardian Spirits of Ancient China," which showcases a replica of the famous excavation in Xi'an. It's a great place to escape the hot summer weather, and after browsing the pieces you'll find benches inside the Temple of Heaven where you can rest during the pre-show to "Reflections of China".

Replica Tomb Warriors
A couple of bustling shops here offer traditional Chinese goods from silk parasols to furniture, tea sets and porcelain goods for guests to purchase. There are also a couple of dining options that seem to be met with mixed reviews, Nine Dragons Restaurant or the Lotus Blossom Cafe both offer an assortment of homogenized Chinese foods. The Joy of Tea kiosk along World Showcase Lagoon also offers snacks and cold drinks including the newest addition fan favorite, the Tipsy Duck.

Pork Buns and Curry Pockets from the Joy of Tea
China is also a stop on the brand new Agent P World Showcase Adventure!

Do you enjoy the China Pavilion at World Showcase? Is the movie one of your favorites? What do you think is China's Best attraction? Leave a comment and let us know!