Epcot’s China Pavilion

Located between the Norway and Germany Pavilions, Epcot’s China Pavilion is a unique area of the World Showcase which features the Reflections of China film, two restaurants, cultural attractions and gift shops.

The China Pavilion is separated from the World Showcase’s main promenade by an awe inspiring archway, based upon Yunhui Yuyu Archway, or Glowing Clouds Archway, at the Summer Palace, an imperial garden and palace complex in Beijing.

Once in the Pavilion, you’ll find a lotus pool surrounded by a quiet Chinese garden. Guests will also notice the artificial mountain (jiashan) or rock garden that is an integral element of Chinese classical gardens.  In Chinese culture these symbolize Endurance, virtue and stability.   To reflect the gardening style of China, the pavilion features a very loosely structured, quiet landscape.  The zoysia grass is left to grow as it would look in China. Several fruit trees, orange, plum and pomegranate are also part of the landscape. There is a beautiful weeping mulberry, that while resembling a tree you might find in China, is actually over 100 years old and was found in New Jersey!

The highlight of the China pavilion is a half-scale reproduction of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests from the Temple of Heaven complex near Beijing. This three-tiered, circular Hall is absolutely breathtaking. 

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.

Once Inside the hall, there are architectural details that have significant importance to the Chinese people. There are 12 outer columns supporting the roof that each 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 and these columns support a beam, representing Earth, which is topped by a round beam, signifying Heaven.

Dining in China

Nine Dragons – Serving full service lunch and dinner featuring Chinese cuisine.

Lotus Blossom Cafe – Counter service which includes stir-fry, egg rolls and a daily special.

Joy of Tea – serves a variety of hot and iced teas outside.

Shopping in China

House of Good Fortune – A large, multi-room shop selling furniture, kitchenware, rugs, clothing, slippers, silk, paper fans, pictures, cloisonne (jewelry with enamel inlay), and more.

Kiosks near and around the China pavilion sell collectibles like umbrellas and hats.

Attractions and Entertainment in China

• Reflections of China – Journey through ancient and modern China during a spectacular 12-minute Circle-Vision 360° film.
• The House of Whispering Willows Gallery now provides an inside look at the Shanghai Disney Resort.
• 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.
• Kidcot Fun Stops – The Kidcot Fun Stops are located throughout World Showcase and offer kids the opportunity to create their own artwork and learn about different cultures. The Kidcot stop in Norway is at The Puffin’s Roost and features crafts inspired by Norwegian folk art.
• DuckTales World Showcase Adventure – Explore all the countries with an interactive scavenger hunt game. You’ll use the Play Disney Parks mobile app to find clues and trigger real-world special effects in the pavilions.

Disney Character Meet and Greet

Fa Mulan would be honored to see you and share a legendary tale or two!  Check your MyDisney Experience app for a time guide.

China Pavilion Tips:

• The temple in China is acoustically perfect.  Stand in the very middle of the round room and say something!  Because it is acoustically perfect, you will hear the actual sound of your voice, which is something we rarely do.  Usually we hear ourselves talk through our own head, and that’s not exactly how others hear us.
• If the 360 degree movie screen for Wondrous China makes you a little dizzy, stand near the back of the room, you’ll be able to see most of the film.
• Consider visiting during Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival when highlights include a bamboo garden, exotic water garden, Feng Shui area and a wonderful panda topiary!  Be sure to also check out the stacks of begonia columns that border the walkway to the main pavilion.
• Visiting during the holidays?  Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays features storytellers in each country.  In the China Pavilion, you’ll see the Chinese Lion Dance performed! 

Interested in seeing out what the other World Showcase Pavilions have to offer? Check out Norway and Mexico here!