Epcot World Showcase - China

China Pavillion

You enter the China Pavilion through a distinct triple arched ceremonial gate patterned after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

China seems to be divided in two. The left side is more commercial, the right is more picturesque.

If you have a craving for Chinese food, there's the Nine Dragons Restaurant, the Lotus Blossom Cafe counter serve and the "Joy of Tea" counter serve spot.

The China pavilion deserves a close look. It is quite pretty and the intricacy of the carvings is amazing. If you're looking for a spot where you can enjoy a few minutes of peace, this is it. There are footbridges, bamboo groves, a small waterfall and ponds which provide the perfect getaway from the crowds.

Throughout the day you'll often find Mulan and/or Mushu available for meet and greets.

The Dragon Legend acrobats entertain guests throughout the day. When these children perform, it always attracts a good sized crowd.

Also be sure to check out the replica of the Terracotta Army. The figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.

The "Wonders of China:

"Reflections of China" is a 360º Circle-Vision film shown in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. This movie features footage of China including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City of Beijing, the Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolia, the Yangtze River and the tropical rain forests of Hainan Island. There is no seating in this theatre, only rails for guests to lean against so that they can fully experience the Circle-Vision effect. Not overly thrilling, but rarely busy so if you're looking for a place to either cool off, dry off or escape crowds, this is an option to keep in mind.

• Shopping Photos

The Yong Feng Shangdian shop is one of the largest shopping destinations in the World Showcase.  It has a wide variety of merchandise from silk clothing, lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlay furniture, Yixing teapots and jade carvings, to stuffed pandas, incense, candles, and paper fans.  Beijing Cloisonne Ware is one of the specialty items found here, as well as, Chinese lanterns, Oriental carpets and Jingdezhen Chinaware.  In the jewelry section of the store you will find gorgeous coral, jade, and crystal pieces.  After walking through the entire shop you exit into an open air market that offers books on meditation, calligraphy and the Chinese language.  You will also find childrens’ toys and Kidcot.

The Nine Dragons restaurant is one of the few restaurants in the World Showcase where you'll often find availability. (Kind of a hint that it's not a top choice, but it's not totally awful.) The Lotus Blossom Café is a counter service restaurant.

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HIDDEN MICKEYS:In the “Dragon, Ruler of the Wind and Waves” exhibit, find Mickey’s head in the clouds of a dragon mural, close to the tail.