Chinese gardens follow completely different rules than those of the West. “In Chinese gardening, there’s no central plan,” Darden says. “Someone once said that if you want to create a Chinese garden you could fly the plants up in a plane and push them out of the window and wherever they land is where you plant them.” Things in the garden don’t appear disorganized -- just naturally placed. For example, the grass in the China pavilion is not mowed, but allowed to grow naturally producing a tufted appearance.

The one essential in every Chinese garden is water. As Darden explains, an old Chinese saying states that “A garden without water is like a portrait of a lady with her eyes closed.” The water is usually still and frequently has water plants such as lilies or lotuses growing in it. The lilies at the China pavilion actually grow in containers placed underwater.

The Chinese respect age and want their gardens to appear old. Disney landscape architects have selected trees with “corkscrew” trunks or with “weeping” branches to help give the gardens a mature look. Here, a weeping mulberry -- one of the most impressive trees in Epcot -- can be found to the left of the Nine Dragons Restaurant entrance. Other interesting trees native to China are the tallow tree, a plant with waxy fruit traditionally used to make candles and one of the few that changes colors in Florida’s fall, and the runner bamboo. Also at the China pavilion are large rocks on the water side of the promenade. The Chinese like to create “surprising views” throughout their landscapes as experienced by looking through the holes in the rocks toward the water.

Epicurean adventures into five Chinese provinces await World Showcase travelers under one roof in the 250-seat Nine Dragons Restaurant.

The Nine Dragons is located within a 12,000-square-foot building next door to "Yong Feng Shangdian" shopping gallery along China Showcase's "Street of Good Fortune." Next door, the 200-seat Lotus Blossom Cafe offers counter-service.

In addition to the familiar Moo Gu Gai Pan and sweet and sour pork, the Nine Dragons menu offers everything from sirloin to lobster prepared Cantonese-style. There's also Treasure Duck, braised and lightly fried; honey-roasted Chinese spareribs; and an entree of stir-fried grouper and fresh garden vegetables.

Kiangche-style entrees include stir-fried scallops and vegetables. Szechuan/Hunan-style entrees feature chicken, shrimp and lobster brought to life with hot peppers and spicy sauces.

Featured item on the Lotus Blossom Cafe menu is a combination platter that includes stir-fried beef and garden vegetables, egg roll and fried rice.

"Reflections of China," is a Circle-Vision 360 film that gives guests a guided glimpse into the beauty of China from its rich ancient heritage to present day. Scenes from the film include the Great Wall at Jimshanling, Hong Kong and a Shanghai montage. Circle-Vision 360 is the Disney-designed film system which uses nine 35mm cameras fitted to a camera pod to film a 360-degree view. The film is then projected on nine movie screens on the perimeter of a circular theater in which viewers stand and peer at wonders all around. "Reflections of China" debuted at Epcot in May 2003, replacing "Wonders of China," which had been showing in the theater since the park opened in 1982.

Also while here dont forget to check out Pu Yang Academy of Acrobatics. These entertainers, straight from China, present a variety of mouth-dropping acts for everyone's enjoyment. Show times vary so guests should check their Epcot Times Guide.