It’s a miniature world!

China’s splendors at a glance :

Ruwini Jayawardana in Shenzhen, China

Image mini replicas of the best sites that China has to offer brought under one roof. Imagine the cream of the rich traditions and customs of the country displayed on a single stage. Imagine unique Chinese wonders which leave you gaping displayed at a one-stop shop. That’s ‘Splendid China’ and ‘China Folk Cultural Villages’ for you, Shenzhen’s miniature park reflecting history, culture, art, ancient architecture, customs and lifestyle of 22 minority nationalities in 24 villages in China

Imagine being in China. You have run out of time but there are still so many places to visit. With one day in hand you have to rack your brains and decide between visiting the Temple of Heaven (in Beijing), Potala Palace (in Lhasa) and Huangguoshu Waterfall (in Anshun).

Now the solution is right at your fingertips. Why not visit them all? You may not get the big picture but the mini versions are done with such perfection that they have baffled many.

‘Splendid China’ is one of the world’s largest scenery parks including the largest amount of replicas of some of the most significant places in the country. Recognized as one of China’s main tourist attractions the park is developed and managed by the major travel and tourist cooperation, China Travel Services.

Interestingly more than a hundred replicas of sites and monuments of historical and social value had been arranged in the park according to the map of China. The entire park covers 30 hectares. Architectural experts and landscape specialists have paid a great deal of attention had been paid to the replicas of the actual historical sites and landmarks of China to ensure that they truly represent the originals. Research is being done everyday to upgrade the quality of the park which drew around 50 million visitors from all over the world since 1989. .

The exhibits are in the midst of well trimmed lawns, flower beds and trees, a pleasing sight to the eye as well as filling the air with a mixture of fragrance. Walking along the paths of the park is a treat as visitors are able to feast their eyes upon miniature versions of some of the most significant buildings and scenic spots in China. Carts are available for those who wish to zoom by the replicas, taking a tour of the entire park in a short period.

Around 50, 000 ceramic figures too are seen at the park in different locations.

Apart from replicas the park also hosts several shows depicting a number of events in connection with Chinese history. These are a part of the events comprising the ‘China Folk Cultural Villages’ which includes Chinese people sporting traditional outfits and engaged in activities which are part of their daily lifestyle. The ‘China Folk Cultural Villages’ runs across 22 hectares and adds up to 24 villages and 56 customs with the repute of being China’s Folk Custom Museum.

A horse riding show together with a display of

Chinese martial art depicting a battle lead by Genghis Khan, a Chinese cultural show and Chinese acrobatics are some of the performances on offer at various locations in the Folk Cultural Village in the park. Their open evening show ‘Dancing with the Dragon and the Phoenix’ made its debut on New Year’s Day in 2003. It is now performed at the Phoenix Plaza, housing a 6, 550 square stage and 5, 000 seats. In addition the park also houses a number of boutiques in which souvenirs are available for tourists. A large assortment of handicraft items and local specialties are on display for customers to have their pick.

~~~ Main attractions ~~~

The Great Wall

Snaking 6,700 kilometers along the valley is the world’s longest protective wall - the Great Wall of China. A tour of China is not quite complete if you haven’t climbed the steps of the Great Wall. This wonder which was built in the Qin Dynasty comes in three miniature sections at ‘Splendid China’. Scree, white stone and small green bricks especially made and transported from Beijing make up the replica.

Terracotta warriors and horses

The terracotta warriors and horses are located at Xian city, Shaanix province, and are ranked as the eighth wonder of the world. After the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty ascended the throne he ordered more than 700, 000 workmen to build him a grand mausoleum.

The Forbidden City

Also known as the Imperial Palace the Forbidden City is the largest and best preserved architectural complex in China. The miniature version of the palace comes with the splendid sight of Emperor Guangxu’s wedding. The Forbidden City at the park matches the original in every manner and is a spectacle of majesty in its yellowish hues, the colour of Chinese royalty.

Li River

Surrounded by bubbling water and mountain garden the Li River is a picture of relaxation and contentment. The simple lifestyle of the people who have settled on the banks of the river is reflected in this miniature version of the river at ‘Splendid China’. Li River flows along Guangxi Province. The ideal way to experience the beauty of the surroundings is to take a bamboo skiff along the river.

The Old Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace alias Yuan Ming Yuan was an ancient treasure trove which housed jewelry, priceless paintings, calligraphy works and rare antiques. However the original was reduced to ruins by the British and French invaders in the 1860s and 1900s. However the replica shows an original version of the palace together with the royal garden.

Mt Huangshan

Standing tall in the Anhui Province, middle part of China, the area is known for its rare pines, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds as well as hot springs. The characteristics of all the significant mountains of the world are said to be found in Mt. Huangshan.

Florida’s lost tourist attraction :

Splendid China in Florida

Located in Citrus Ridge, Florida near Orlando, the park was a sister park to the ‘Splendid China’ theme park found in Shenzhen, China. It opened to the public in 1993 and cost around $100,000,000 to set up.

The 75 acre miniature park with more than 60 replicas included handcrafted items to maintain authenticity. Among the highlights of its exhibits was the park’s replica of the Great Wall which put together by nearly seven million inch long bricks and stretches about half a mile. Another major attraction, the replica of the Leshan Buddha, stands four stories tall.

After the park’s opening a number of shows featuring a rotating cast of 60 dancers, actors, and acrobats from China were part of the entertainment. However with issues like some members soughing political asylum in the United States, the authorities hired some local performers to engage in the task.

Florida’s ‘Splendid China’ was criticized from the beginning for being partly owned by China. Some said that idyllic version of places like Tibet and Mongolia were projected at the park without the context of political struggle within those areas.

The park finally closed down at the end of 2003. Unfortunately some of the prized items had been stolen while the remaining ones went on auction in July 2009.

..................................

<< Artscope Main Page