by Rhonda Allen

Created on: June 30, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2009

Disney's China Pavilion at Epcot is a tribute to the beauty and serenity of the Asian culture. Walking into the China Pavilion, located between Norway and Germany in the World Showcase, is like walking into the ancient Asian past. Visitors may find themselves captivated by the beautiful and unique surroundings, designed to appeal to people of all ages.

The journey into Disney World's version of China begins when visitors step through the Paifang gate that opens on the inner courtyard of the China Pavilion. This gate, designed to mimic traditional Chinese architectural arches, is a solid example of the arches found in many Chinese cities, both ancient and modern.

Once inside the gates, visitors can relax on benches inside the gently landscaped Chinese garden. As with many Chinese gardens, the landscaping at Epcot China is designed to promote feelings of serenity and relaxation. Even though Chinese landscaping is designed to look as though it is naturally-occurring and has no real structure, it is actually quite intricately planned and full of deeper meaning.

The garden at Epcot China feature a traditional still-water feature, complete with lilies grown from planters under the water line. Disney horticulturists carefully chose plants and trees with twisted or corkscrew trunks and weeping branches to give the landscaping the feeling of age. One of the most impressive trees in all of Walt Disney World is located in the Epcot China Pavilion, though it is not actually a native Chinese plant. The Weeping Mulberry tree located near Lotus Blossom Cafe is more than a century old and was discovered in new Jersey and replanted at Walt Disney World.

Entering the Temple Of Heaven at Epcot China often causes people to stop in their tracks at the stunning beauty of the space. This replica Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is designed at one-half the size of the original, which can be found in the Temples of Heaven complex outside Beijing, China. There are many symbolic architectural elements in this Temple, among which is the recurrence of the number 12 in the beamwork and decorative elements of the building. This number is chosen to represent the 12 months of the year, and the 12 year cycle of the Chinese calendar.

Visitors interested in learning more about Chinese history should examine the exhibits located inside the Pavilion. The Land of Many Faces exhibit explores four of China's main cultures through a look at their indigenous clothing, handicrafts, musical instruments,

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