Splendid China
Splendid China was inspired by a similar park in the southern Chinese city of Shenzen. It is basically a
miniature work of art. Located at 3000 Splendid China Boulevard/NM 4.5, Kissimmee, this fascinating
piece of architecture covers a 76-acre site. The project took over 2 years to complete, and involved 120
Chinese artisans using traditional craft methods, dating back to the 14th century. Over 6.5 million tiny bricks
were used to build the stunning models of palaces and pagodas, and the half-mile-long one-tenth size
version of the Great Wall. The famous terracotta figures discovered guarding the tomb of the Qinshihuang
emperor at Xi'an in 1974, have also been recreated by the craftsmen. A four-storey-high replica of the
Leshan Grand Buddha Statue also stands proud, although its dimensions are only a fraction of the original,
235-foot-high monster, which is carved into a mountain. Wander around the beautifully recreated, scaled-
down petrified limestone Stone Forest. Gaze in awe at the fabulous Summer Palace. Here you can find
hundreds of supplicants, soldiers and courtiers in the courtyards, and royal barges by the marble jetties on
the edge of a landscaped lagoon, full of lichen-spotted, dwarf trees. Equally amazing are the regular, famous
shows that are hosted at Splendid China. Chinese acrobats and dancers dazzle with their unbelievable
flexibility, and stunning costumes. These normally take place at the Golden Peacock Theatre. Admission is
not cheap, but you will definitely not be disappointed.
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