Our Favorite Things about Epcot’s China Pavilion

Epcot's China pavilion is one of our favorite spots to visit when we're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of World Showcase. Not only is it home to some gorgeous gardens but you'll also find some good food and unique shopping experiences.

What do you love most about the China pavilion?

And since today is the Chinese New Year (Happy Year of the Monkey) it seems like a good day to revisit this pavilion and talk about a few of our favorite things.

The beauty of the pavilion: The China pavilion is always at the top of our "Epcot Favorites" list thanks to the overall beauty of the pavilion. When you enter the pavilion you're passing through the ceremonial gate of China and a replica of the Temple of Heave is directly in front of you.

The lotus pond in front of the temple is stocked with floating waterlilies and other plants and fruit trees, and also features a small waterfall. The area was designed to create a mood of serenity and if you stand there long enough you might feel a sense of calm wash over you.

'Gorgeous' doesn't begin to describe the China pavilion

The focal point of the pavilion is the three-tiered Temple of Heaven. The building is a one-half scale reproduction of its counterpart inside the Temple of Heave located near Beijing.

The architecture of the building includes many details that are significant to the Chinese, including the 12 columns that support the roof. These columns represent the 12 months of the year and the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. Near the center of the room in the temple you'll find four columns that represent the four seasons.

Inside the Temple guests can watch the Circle-Vision 360 film Reflections of China.

The Food: If you have a craving for egg rolls, steamed pot stickers, or your kids won't eat anything but sweet-and-sour chicken then the Lotus Blossom Cafe is a great spot to stop. The cafe is home to our new favorite, Peach Oolong tea.

One of our favorite spots to relax and sip on iced tea

You won't find air conditioning at the Lotus Blossom Cafe but the shaded seating area is one of our favorite spots to sit and people watch on a hot summer day. You can sip on your Peach Oolong tea, enjoy the sounds of the pavilion, and gaze at the Temple of Heaven.

Another great spot to eat in the pavilion is Nine Dragons, the table service restaurant. This year as part of the celebration of the Year of the Monkey, Nine Dragons is offering a special prix-fixe lunch menu.

The prix-fixe special includes three courses for $17.98 and the meal starts with spring rolls or pot stickers then guests can choose from three entrees: Happy Family, Moo Goo Gai Pan, or General Tso's Chicken Buns Lunch Box. Dessert is either strawberry-red bean ice cream or ginger-caramel ice cream. The special menu plus other additional items are available through January 27, 2017.

Celebrate the Year of the Monkey at Nine Dragons

Nine Dragons should be on your list of must-visit restaurants in Epcot thanks to good food, beautiful atmosphere, and great views if you can get a table by the window.

Shopping: If there's one thing we love to do in World Showcase (other than eat) it's shopping! And one of our top spots is the House of Good Fortune in the China pavilion. Not only is it one of the largest shopping spots in Epcot it's also somewhat of a hidden gem thanks to its location tucked in the back of the pavilion.

We love shopping in China!

The House of Good Fortune sells a wide assortment of authentic Chinese merchandise including lanterns, hats, wine, jewelry, silk robes, Buddha statues, and more. You'll also find Oriental rugs and Jingdezhen Chinaware in the store. One of our favorite items in the store is the amazing display of Chinese teas and tea pots.

The China pavilion is definitely worth exploring on your next visit to Epcot's World Showcase. It's a great spot for dining, shopping, and relaxing.

You gotta love the waterlillies

What is your favorite thing about the China pavilion? Let us know in the comments.