China
STATE: FL
COUNTRY: USA
Frommer's Rating: A
Recommended Ages: 10-adult Bounded by a serpentine wall that snakes around its perimeter, the China pavilion is entered via a triple-arched ceremonial gate inspired by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, a summer retreat for Chinese emperors. Passing through the gate, you'll see a half-size replica of this ornately embellished red-and-gold circular temple, built in 1420 during the Ming dynasty. Chinese tomb sculptures, similar to those recently unearthed near Xian, China, were recently added. Gardens simulate those in Suzhou, with miniature waterfalls, fragrant lotus ponds, and groves of bamboo, corkscrew willows, and weeping mulberry trees.
Reflections of China is a 20-minute movie that explores the culture and landscapes in and around seven Chinese cities. Shot during a 2-month period in 2002, it visits Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and the Great Wall (begun 24 c. ago!), among other places.
Land of Many Faces is an exhibit that introduces China's ethnic peoples, and entertainment is provided daily by the amazing
Dragon Legend Acrobats. The
Yong Feng Shangdian Shopping Gallery features silk robes, lacquer and inlaid mother-of-pearl furniture, jade figures, cloisonné vases, Yixing teapots, brocade pajamas, silk rugs and embroideries, wind chimes, and Chinese clothing. Artisans occasionally demonstrate calligraphy.
Copyright: Excerpted from
Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

, USA