The Chinese New Year, is often associated with the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. It is about fortune, happiness, and health. Most importantly, it is a time to reunite with loved ones. In honor of our Asian brothers & sisters, let’s take a look at the China Pavilion in Epcot and all of the detail put into ensuring it’s authenticity.
Concept art for the pavilion:
The pavilion is architecturally designed after the Forbidden City in Ancient China.
The Zhao Yang Men, or Gate of the Golden Sun stands at the entrance. It is modeled after the one found at the emperor’s summer palace.
Standing behind it a replica of the imperial prayer temple called the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Here the emperor would pray for a good year of harvest.
The beautiful marble leading up the stairs depicts a dragon with 5 claws (The claws refers to the power of the emperor), showing that the emperor has used the temple.
The exterior of the temple is adorned with 12 columns, representing the 12 months.
While the interior of the temple has 4 columns, each representing a season.
The red & yellow colors represent happiness & the emperor.
The medallion found at the very top carries an importance with Chinese culture. The dragon represents power, and the phoenix represents peace & prosperity. Together they show a marriage between the two.
In Chinese culture, a circle signifies the heavens and a square, earth. Together they form the universe!
This rooftop shows Prince Min, a 3rd century ruler who was hanged for his cruelty. The animals placed behind him are to prevent him from escaping. Effigies of him are used to serve as a reminder of what happens to tyrants.
As guests exit the attraction, Reflections of China, they may notice the small exit corridor. This was done on purpose to re-create the sense of crowding one feels on the streets in China.
The original film shown at the temple, Wonders of China, was filmed in partnership with a Chinese film crew. It was the first time that many sights (the Forbidden City, the Leshan Buddha, the Summer Palace) were shown on film to Western audiences.
The China Pavilion is a representation of the beautiful cultural and symbolism found throughout China. Next time you visit Epcot, be sure to take in all of the intricate details and their beauty. To all that celebrate- Happy New Year!
*all photos Disney© unless otherwise noted
