Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest in the reflection pool at the China pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Nikon D700/28-300VR, 1/60s, f/5.6, ISO 800, EV 0, 200mm focal length.

The three-tiered, circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest in China’s pavilion at Walt Disney World is a one-half scale reproduction of its counterpart inside the Temple of Heaven complex near Beijing.  Many of its architectural details, both inside and out, have important significance to the Chinese people.  Inside the hall, there are 12 outer columns supporting the roof.  They represent the 12 months of the year and the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar.  Closer to the center of the room are 4 columns representing the four seasons.  These columns support a beam, representing Earth, which is topped by a round beam, signifying Heaven. I showed you this recently when I shared a Day at Epcot with you. In order to depict the intricate tile work patterns of the original Temple of Heaven, Disney Imagineers artisans screen printed hundreds of exact replications of its detailed patterns onto each and every tile at Epcot.

The pavilion offers a Circle-Vision 360 movie called Reflections of China.  Created with a special 300 pound camera with 9 lenses covering a full 360 degree view.  As you watch the movie featuring some of China’s famous locations, you can look to the side and behind just as if you were walking along the Wall of China or through the Forbidden City.

Before or after the movie, I suggest you wander into the current exhibition called the Tomb Warriors, the Guardian Spirits of Ancient China.  This exhibit features replications of the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China which were found in 1974.  This crafter army was buried with Emperor Qin so that they could defend him from any dangers in the next life.

Tomb Warriors, the Guardian Spirits of Ancient China exhibit in Epcot's China pavilion. Nikon D700/Tokina 11-16mm, 1/60s, f/2.8, ISO 8000, EV 0, 15mm focal length.

In the Disney animated feature, Mulan, there is a song which is fitting for this post.  I hope you can take the time to enjoy it.