4 Important Rules to Know Before Visiting EPCOT’s China Pavilion

For many guests, EPCOT’s China Pavilion may be one they skip over thanks to its lack of attractions in the area.

However, those who dig a bit deeper can find this pavilion to be one of the most exciting! Here are four important rules to know before you visit the China Pavilion in EPCOT.

A Piece of Classic EPCOT

While the China Pavilion isn’t home to a ride, the pavilion does house the Reflections of China Circle-Vision film. Narrated in the voice of legendary ancient Chinese poet Li Bai, the film takes a tour of China, from the countryside to historical sites, including The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, Hunan, Guilin, Suzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

While Reflections of China opened in 2003, the Circle-Vision theater it calls home has been an EPCOT staple since the park opened. From 1982 through early 2003, it housed the similar Circle-Vision film, Wonders of China. In the late 2010s, a new film – – Wondrous China – – was announced for the space and was set to open in 2021 as part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. However, the film was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ALERT: Price Increases Just Landed in the China Pavilion at EPCOT

Take in the Architecture

The World Showcase’s China Pavilion is already one of the most architecturally impressive to surround the World Showcase Lagoon, thanks to its massive replica of the Temple of Heaven — the authentic version is located in Beijing. The temple is surrounded by smaller examples of authentic Chinese architecture, making up the pavilion’s shops and restaurants.

In addition, the China Pavilion is home to a series of tranquil gardens. If you’ve ever seen Christina Aguilera’s music video for “Reflection” from Mulan, they’ll probably look pretty familiar.

Well, That Was Short Lived. Sugar Art is GONE at EPCOT’s China Pavilion After 1 Month

Learn All About Disney’s Newest International Resort

The pavilion’s House of the Whispering Willows is a large display about Shanghai Disneyland and the overall Shanghai Disney Resort. The exhibition features artwork, drawings, and site photos of the “cutting-edge attractions,” themed lands, hotels, and Disneytown that make up the Shanghai Disneyland Resort. It’s recently even been updated to feature information and souvenirs from the park’s 10th anniversary celebration.

According to Disney, the display shows the ways that Disney’s Imagineers “wove elements of Chinese culture” to create an “authentically Disney experience that remains distinctly Chinese.” This includes how the Shanghai park’s layout is somewhat different than Disney’s other castle parks (Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland). The park is headlined by massive attractions like TRON (Shanghai’s version of which opened long before the Magic Kingdom’s) and a totally original, completely immersive version of Pirates of the Caribbean that has yet to be replicated at any other Disney park.

Why Imagineers Had to Redesign an ENTIRE Disney Castle

Don’t Skip this Hidden Dining Gem

While many guests skip Nine Dragons since they “can get Chinese food at home,” the restaurant has become a bit of a hidden gem amongst EPCOT’s eateries recently.

During our last meal there, we enjoyed the Wontons in Chili Oil (steamed wontons filled with shrimp, crab, and chicken, in Sichuan chili broth)…

…the Kung Pao Duo (stir-fried chicken, shrimp, unsalted roasted peanuts, scallion, and dried chili pepper)…

…and the sweet and tangy Dragon Fruit Frozen drink (dragon fruit, rum, Cosmo mixer, lemon, and pineapple juices as a slushy), and everything was delicious!

For those who choose to venture deeper into EPCOT’s China Pavilion, there’s much to explore beneath the surface at this World Showcase Pavilion. Stay tuned to AllEars for more deep dives into the World Showcase.

This World Showcase Pavilion Is ALWAYS Confusing People in EPCOT, And We Know Why

Do you always visit the China Pavilion? Let us know in the comments below.

Post a Comment