Do You Know How Nine Dragons Restaurant at EPCOT Got Its Name?
Imagineer Zach Riddley took to Instagram today to share some incredible insights regarding the amazing artwork you’ll find at Nine Dragons Restaurant within the China Pavilion at EPCOT in the World Showcase. Next time you’re at EPCOT be sure to take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the theme park to enjoy some of the treasures inside the park’s incredible pavilion.
If you’ve never been to the Nine Dragons, a Chinese eatery nestled within the China Pavilion, you’ll definitely want to give it a try, and while you’re there be sure to take a look around!
The interior of the restaurant is really awe-inspiring from its ornate would carvings and traditional lanterns to its exquisite collection of glass artwork. Collectively these items tell a rich story.
As you may have heard, Dragons are a symbol of power in Chinese culture. The image of the dragon is used throughout the country to bring a sense of meaning and purpose to a space.
The restaurant actually gets it’s name from the nine crystal dragon sculptures that adorn the walls.
You may not have known this but the dragons come from a New York studio called Liuli where glass artists Loretta Yang and Chang Yi create works of art based on the process of lost-wax casting.
According to Riddley, The technique used in these sculptures dates back to the Han Dynasty who used to produce similar multi-colored glass sculptures.
Imagineers selected nine crystal dragon sculptures and special display boxes were created complete with gold leaf and glass cubes allowing the sculptures to gleam and glisten.
This display serves as a focal point of the entire dining room at nine dragons.
The dragon motif also continues in the lobby where where there is a mural of a dragon chasing a pearl. This depiction is actually meant to symbolize a never-ending quest for knowledge, wisdom and the pursuit of a better life for all.
EVERYTHING in this restaurant has meaning. The menu is brimming with dishes from Sichuan, Hunan and Canton provinces. This gives diners a real tour of the culinary variation that exists amongst the regions of China. Highlights include egg rolls and potstickers which are made to look like gold ingots and serve as symbols as prosperity and wealth. Noodles are also symbolic of the long life!
Nine Dragons at EPCOT is open for both Lunch (12:00 pm – 3:00 pm) and Dinner (4:30 pm – 9:00 pm.) You can take a closer look at the menu here.
If you’ll be visiting the China Pavilion during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, you’ll also want to check out the Chinese Lion Dance which is one of the park’s seasonal offerings.
This performance is said to bring good fortune and happiness in the Lunar New Year.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for more Disney news and updates. Also be sure to follow along with Imagineer Zach Riddley on Instagram here.
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