Our next pavilion around Epcot World Showcase was China.
We saw Mulan doing a meet and greet (although we didn’t line up for that) and watched as some huge sticks of cotton candy (candy floss) was being made (we didn’t buy any though!).
China also has two garden destinations – the Chinese Zodiac Topiary Garden and a Bamboo Garden – and we very much enjoyed looking at these!
So enjoy the next set of photos from the China Pavilion at Epcot!
Temple of Heaven
One of the focal buildings here at Epcot’s China is the gorgeous Chinese temple which is modeled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China.
Inside the replica Temple of Heaven is the “Reflections of China”, a Circle-Vision 360° movie exploring China’s history and scenery, as well as several museum artifacts to look at, including a replica of the Terracotta Army.
The [original] figures were were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, they date from 210BC!
We didn’t go inside on this trip but have done in the past.
And sitting on the pond in front of the temple is the huge Bromeliad Dragon – more on that nearer the photos of the topiary!
Chinese Topiary Dragon
Dragons are symbols of good luck, power and prosperity.
The topiary dragon is made from a variety of BROMELIADS and SUCCULENTS. Bromeliads are air plants that grow high in the trees or low to the ground to capture moisture. Succulents grow in dry environments and store water in their leaves and stems.
How many plants can you identify on the Dragon?
The plants on the board that all make up the dragon are as follows (starting top left, down, and around to top right):
Dichondra repens ‘Emerald Falls’
Aechmea ‘Little Harv’
Neoregelia ‘Fireball’
Sedum tetractinum ‘Coral Reef’
Vriesea ‘Ana Oliveros’
Vriesea odorata
Chinese Zodiac Topiary Garden
I’m fascinated by the Chinese Zodiac, and I know that I’m not only a dragon but a fire dragon! My husband is a water rat, and they are two of the most compatible signs!
The topiaries in this garden were unusual in that they were made from seeds, beans, pulses, herbs, and spices, and I’m going to be including what each signboard said next to each Chinese Zodiac animal, as well as the sign below.
The Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese animal signs represent a 12-year rotation used for dating the years in a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear concept of time.
According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarrelled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest; whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish.
All twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the Ox, the Rat had jumped upon his back. About to reach the shore, the Rat jumped off the Ox’s back and won the race. The Pig, which was very slow, ended up last. That is why the Rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the Ox is second, and the Pig is last.
Watching the Cast Member make elaborate candy floss creations was fascinating! But it is pure spun sugar, and just the thought makes my teeth hurt! But they sure were pretty to look at and were very popular!
Michelle lives in London with her husband, son, and cat named Pumpkin. She started The Purple Pumpkin Blog in 2011 and the idea behind the blog is simple - Cook, Create, Celebrate! Michelle shares delicious recipes and creative ideas for all seasons, holidays, parties, & Disney! She thinks up the ideas so you don’t have to!