Reflections of China in Circle-Vision 360 (A Resorts Gal Guide)
Reflections of China is a 14-minute Circle-Vision 360 film narrated by Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai. It takes viewers on a journey through China from ancient to modern times. This film plays daily in the China Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase.
While charming, the film is dated. It does not reflect a modern-day China. A few years ago, Disney announced they would replace the current film with a new film called Wondrous China. However, as of that update, the film has yet to come to fruition.
Below are the quick reference details for Reflections of China.
| Reflections of China | Epcot |
|---|---|
Location: | China Pavilion |
Lightning Lane: | No |
Height Requirement: | N/A |
Type: | Circle-Vision 360 Film |
Seats Per Vehicle: | Stand Up Theater |
Rider Switch: | N/A |
Duration: | 14 minutes |
Early Theme Park Entry: | No |
Extended Evening Hours: | No |
Our Traffic Signal: | Green Light (Only if interested.) |
Good For: | Everyone |
Scare Factor: | None |
Must-Do List: | Low Priority |
Perfect For: | Nostalgia |
Special Mention: | This film was scheduled to be replaced years ago, but little has been mentioned since then. |
Additional Info: Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVS while experiencing this attraction. Assistive listening, audio description, and handheld captioning are available. Details for those with mobility issues (e.g., wheelchairs, ECVs) are available on Disney.com.
See our Disney World Lightning Lane Guide if you’re planning to use Disney’s skip-the-line system.
Reflections of China Review
Reflections of China in CircleVision 360 debuted at Epcot in 2003, replacing The Wonders of China. Circle-Vision uses projection screens that circle the entire room, so naturally, the theater is a circle. This attraction is similar to the Canada Far and Wide attraction in the Canada Pavilion. However, that film tours Canada.
China’s Pavilion is located between the Norway Pavilion and the Germany Pavilion. As you enter the pavilion’s area, Joy of Tea is on the lagoon side, and Nine Dragons Restaurant is across the walkway. A replica of the Temple of Heaven is in the pavilion’s center, and Reflections of China is located inside the temple. The film runs continuously throughout the day.
Don’t forget to look up. The temple’s ceiling is elaborate.
A large open room with benches is available for guests to sit and wait for the next film. A cast member is usually in the area, letting guests know the wait time until the next show begins.
They might mention that you can walk through the Shanghai exhibit while you wait. It seems to have taken up residence in the China Pavilion. (Shanghai Disney opened in 2016.) Previously, this area was home to the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit. That exhibit was remarkable.
When it’s time for the next performance, cast members will let everyone know the theater doors are about to open. Then, you’ll walk into the theater and find a spot to enjoy the film. Given the nature of the 360 films, there are no seats. So you’ll have to stand throughout the performance. Wooden railings divide the room into rows and provide a place to lean against. Since the screen is circular, it doesn’t matter which direction you face.
The film visits the following locations: The Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China, Beijing, Hong Kong, the Yangtze River, the Gobi Desert, a busy night market in the Xinjiang Province, the water-bound city of Suzhou (Venice of the East), and the Shilin Stone Forest. You’ll even float down the Huangpu River to Shanghai and see the historic Nanjing Road. Then, you’ll visit the Huangshan Mountain Range, where you’ll encounter the mythical sea of clouds. Our narrator notes that many artists visit this area for inspiration.
Ultimately, Reflections of China is a beautiful film that provides a pleasant reprieve from the theme park, especially in the heat of the day. However, like most things its age, the film is dated, and the screen is somewhat fuzzy.
Let’s just say it’s not nearly as charming as Impressions de France, the longest-running film at Epcot. However, it’s well worth seeing. Hopefully, someday, Wondrous China will bring new life to the theater.
On another note, these films are designed to make you feel like you are moving with them. So, if you experience dizziness, closing your eyes should resolve the issue.
The Resorts Gal Spin on Reflections of China
I love this film, and the narrator does an excellent job. But the screen is too fuzzy. If you’re interested, we consider it an anytime attraction. You’ll only have to wait for the next film to begin. Consider doing this on a day devoted to seeing everything in the World Showcase. But if you’re trying to get things done, skip it.
Resorts Gal Traffic Signals
Green Light
We give an attraction the green light if we consider it a must-do, regardless of the posted wait. We also give the green light for attractions we deem suitable to experience anytime. For example, some attractions have high capacities. Therefore, the lines continuously move and you shouldn’t have a long wait unless the attraction experiences downtime.
Red Light
We recommend checking the posted wait times for red light attractions. Then, make a quick judgment call on whether to wait, skip it, or return later. We also red light some attractions that we feel might not be suitable based on our experience.
Final Thoughts
For more Epcot attractions, you might enjoy the following.
- Remember Me! Mexican Folk Art Gallery at Epcot
- Stave Church Gallery at Epcot (Gods of the Vikings)
- Frozen Ever After Ride Review
- Gran Fiesta Tour Ride Guide
In the Comments
Have you ever seen Reflections of China at Epcot? What do you think of the film? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.