Five Things to Know About the China Pavilion in EPCOT

The China pavilion in the World Showcase at EPCOT opened with the park as one of the nine original pavilions on October 1, 1982. Richly detailed, it’s possible to spend a lot of time just looking at and soaking in the ambiance as you stroll through. Let’s take a tour!

1. Every detail on every building tells a story.

Located between the Norway and Germany pavilions, the architectural details in China are some of the most interesting in EPCOT. As is true throughout the World Showcase, the Imagineers have taken great pains to ensure that the Chinese culture is honored and represented in a manner that respects tradition and heritage.

You enter through the Gate of the Golden Sun (or Zhao Yan Men as the plaque informs you), based on one at the Summer Palace outside of Beijing. Beautiful and ornate, it leads you into a garden surrounding a lotus pool. The design is inspired by that of a traditional Chinese garden, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility in the visitor.

If there is a Disney “wienie” in the pavilion, it has to be the impressive Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, from the Temple of Heaven complex which is also near Beijing. Built 50% to scale, Imagineers decorated each tile in the building with incredibly detailed pattern work. The interior rotunda of the Hall serves as the lobby entrance to the Reflections of China presentation. But look up and around! The inside of this room and the domed ceiling are absolutely incredible!

Leaving the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest you come to the House of Whispering Willows, home to a display showing how Chinese culture was represented in the design of Shanghai Disneyland. Outdoors, the main walkway through the China pavilion is the Street of Good Fortune, inspired by streets in Shanghai and Beijing.

There are so very many more details to see, but hopefully this inadequate teaser will encourage you to take your time as you explore China, one of the most beautiful pavilions in the World Showcase.

2. It took years to create a unique presentation for the pavilion.

Much of the backstory to the China pavilion revolves around the Circle-Vision 360 movie that premiered when EPCOT opened in 1982. At the time, China had slowly begun to open to the West, but much of the country was still off-limits to visitors. After years-long negotiations and much back-and-forth, Disney was finally permitted to film “Wonders of China,” but only under strict supervision. The finished film was nineteen minutes long and showed the American audience a vision of China that most had never seen and – at the time – could not see for themselves by visiting.

Time passed and after 20 years, the movie no longer represented the modern country that China had become. Shanghai had grown into a world-class city, and more of the country was open and welcoming tourists. So, a new film, the 12-minute long “Reflections of China,” premiered in May 2003. Hints and rumors abound that it will be replaced with yet another new film, but so far, that has not been the case.

3. You’ll find a surprising number of things to do!

While there’s no ride in the China pavilion, there is the aforementioned Circle-Vision 360 presentation, “Reflections of China.” At 12-minutes long, it’s shown in a standing-only theatre inside the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. It’s a great way to see sights and sounds you couldn’t any other way.

The gallery inside the House of Whispering Willows currently displays exclusive artwork from the newest Disney destination. You can view drawings, photos, and artwork of the cutting-edge attractions, 6 different themed lands, 2 hotels—and the shopping, dining, and entertainment district known as Disneytown.

Want to meet Mulan? She greets guests at the back of the “Reflections of China” building. Looking for activities for the littles? Like the other pavilions in the Showcase, there’s a Kidcot Fun Stop here. Located inside the Reflections of China building, kids can collect an activity card detailing facts and activities featuring the culture and traditions of each country.

China is also one of the seven countries participating in the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure. Scrooge McDuck and friends search for 7 lost Magic Treasures, and you help – using the Play Disney Parks app.

4. There is Chinese food … but it’s pretty familiar.

There are two Quick Service options and 1 Table Service restaurant in the China pavilion. But the food isn’t terribly exotic. It’s similar to what you’d see in most Chinese restaurants in the U.S., unless you happen to live near a Chinatown.

The Joy of Tea, despite the name, also serves a variety of cocktails, and you can snag some tasty egg rolls here – but not much else. You’ll find it outside the main pavilion.

The Lotus Blossom Café a Quick-Service stop that serves full meals, quickly. Open for lunch and dinner, the food isn’t much different from what you’re served in an American Chinese takeout place. But there is a small selection of Chinese beers in addition to the pot stickers and the like.

Lastly, the Nine Dragons Restaurant has an impressive menu with a variety of appetizers, entrées, desserts, kids’ meals, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. From Prawns to Kowloon Spareribs to Smoked Duck Friend Rice, there’s something here for every member of the family (including the Spicy Ma La Happy Family dish). The wine list is also pretty extensive.

5. Shopping is an exotic experience.

There are two stands selling merchandise in the pavilion. Good Fortune Gifts offers a variety of souvenirs, clothing and accessories, and items like a set of chopsticks. The Outdoor Merchandise Stand also offers a range of China-themed souvenirs. But the main store is the House of Good Fortune.

This is a huge establishment, rich with lush detailing in addition to the merchandise. And the offerings are widely varied. Clothing, hats, toys, fans, Chinese candy – and maybe my favorite, the different flavors of Lay’s potato chips which have included in the past such delicacies as grilled squid, cucumber, fried crab, spicy crayfish, and roasted chicken. It’s easy to spend an hour or more looking at all of the beautiful merch on display, so make sure to allow enough time in your touring plan.

The Bottom Line.

From quiet spots to beautiful architecture awash in details to tasty treats and good food, we think the China pavilion is too often underrated and overlooked by guests. We understand; since there’s no major thrill attraction as part of the pavilion it’s easy to walk past the pavilion while running to Norway for Frozen Ever After. This is a big mistake, as the China pavilion has much to offer for those willing to take a bit of time to enjoy and immerse themselves in the beauty and history found here.

Have you visited the China pavilion? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.