Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Case of Florida Splendid China

  • Chapter
Chinese International Investments

  • 465 Accesses

Abstract

The history of Florida Splendid China (FSC) is linked to the original miniature attraction in Shenzhen, China. Designed as a showcase to promote tourism in China, the amusement park, located near Hong Kong, was the brainchild of Ma Zhimin (Ma Chiman), general manager of China Travel Service (CTS) Ltd. Listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, CTS, the largest tourism firm in mainland China, owns travel agencies, theme parks, and performing arts groups. In 1989, Ma reflected on the conception of Splendid China:

During my trip to Europe in 1985, I visited the famous Madurodam ‘Lilliputian Land’ in Holland when an idea came to me and I thought how great it would be if we could build a miniature scenic spot in which China’s renowned scenic attractions and historical sites could be concentratedly displayed so that people could admire and know more about China’s beautiful scenic wonders, splendid history and culture as well as various national customs and habits in a shorter time. (Ma, Liu, & Au, 1989, p. 3)

With sufficient funding from CTS, the idea quickly turned into reality.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Ackerly, A. 1995. China theme park under fire. Times Picayune, April 21: B6.

    Google Scholar 

  • AD Week. 1993. Theme park breaks splendid campaign, November 29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Agence France Presse. 1993. China in miniature opens in Florida, December 15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Associated Press. 1996. Seventy-five people protesting China’s aggressive stance, March 16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baisden, D. R. 1993. Letter to the editor: Theme park ignores oppression. Savannah Morning News, November 30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bakkalapulo, A. 1993. Pickets greet China theme park’s opening. Tampa Tribune, December 20: A1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ball, M. 1995. Florida’s China is splendid. Times Picayune, April 16: Travel 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bankston, J. 1995. Splendid mess: On the anniversary of an uprising, park miniatures still incite big debate. Orlando Weekly, March 9–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barnett, C. 2001. Forbidden City. Florida Trend, 44(2): 48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blank, D. M. 2004. Chinese theme park near Orlando closes. New York Times, January 25: 5.3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Booth, W. 1993. Theme park not splendid to Tibetans: China-sponsored exhibits called misleading. Chicago Sun Times, December 25: 5X.

    Google Scholar 

  • Browning, M. 1993. A splendid China setting Florida’s newest theme park a small and elegant world. Miami Herald, December 19: 1A.

    Google Scholar 

  • Business Wire. 1995. Splendid China welcomes Chinese New Year with colorful two-week long celebration, January 24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Byrd, A. 1999. Protesters to park: Not so splendid China. Orlando Business Journal, 16(29): December 17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Byrd, A. 2000a. Splendid China slated for sale: Negotiations involve Chinese-owned theme park, land and hotel. Orlando Business Journal, 16(53): May 26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Byrd, A. 2000b. Not-so-splendid suit follows failed park sale. Orlando Business Journal, 17(10): August 4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Byrd, A. 2000c. Where in the world is Yang? Orlando Business Journal, 17(23): November 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Byrd, A. 2001. Theme park to get “splen9did” makeover. Orlando Business Journal, 17(39): February 16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Central Florida Future. 1995. Human rights violations deprive entertainers at Splendid China, January 10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Churchward, C. 1993. Letter to editor. Tampa Tribune, December 30: A14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Churchward, J. 2004. Chinese theme park incited anger instead of amusement. Insight on the News, May 10: Fair Comment 51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, L. 1998. Controversy is a theme of this park: Protesters say Florida Splendid China is actually a propaganda tool owned by the Chinese Government. Orlando Sentinel, March 18: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Constantine, G. 1993. China tries to change its image over rights violations in Tibet. Washington Times, November 16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cotner, M. G. 2004. Selling off a theme park: Auction continues at Splendid China. Osceola News Gazette, December 10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, R. 2004. Want a bargain on Beijing? Here’s the auction for you: Everything must be sold at Splendid China park. Tampa Tribune, December 9: Moneysense 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, R. 2004. Want a bargain on Beijing? Here’s the auction for you: Everything must be sold at Splendid China park. Tampa Tribune, December 9: Moneysense 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dillon, P. 1996. Eisner’s Splendid China visit sparks more splendid rumors. Orlando Business Journal, December 20: 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doolittle, L. 1994a. Splendid China adding features to please visitors. Orlando Sentinel, April 5: B5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doolittle, L. 1994b. Asian Trade Center in the works as neighbor to Florida Splendid China. Orlando Sentinel, May 10: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doolittle, L. 1996. Splendid China chooses new leader. Orlando Sentinel, May 20: Central Florida Business 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunlop, J. 1994. Splendid China: No glitz, but marvelous miniatures. Chicago Sun Times, April 3: Travel 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Economist. 1994. Chinese culture: Prettified. 331(7863): 92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Falun Dafa Clearwisdom.net. 2002. Clarifying the truth at Florida’s “Splendid China” theme park, August 2.

  • Far Eastern Economic Review. 1999. Intelligence, 162(19): 8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flores, I. 1993a. Park shows China on a small scale. Miami Herald, June 28: 1B.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flores, I. 1993b. Checking out 5,000 years of history: The Splendid China theme park near Orlando opens to the public today, but not everyone is overjoyed about it. Tallahassee Democrat, December 19: B7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foushee, B. 1996. Protest target Splendid China: Missile test near Taiwan prompt a demonstration at the theme park. Tampa Tribune, March 17: Florida Metro 4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gavin, M. 1994. China in the USA. China Business Review, 21(2): 5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffin, L. 1993a. Newest attraction attracts protesters: Buddhist monks and others quietly protest the opening of Splendid China near Orlando. St. Petersburg Times, December 20: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffin, L. 1993b. New park, old controversy. St. Petersburg Times, December 12: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hodges, H. 1993. Sad over Splendid China. Orlando Sentinel, December 21: A18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, A. 2004. A last chance, then it’s time to move-on: An appreciative crowd bid farewell to Splendid China on the park’s last day. Orlando Sentinel, January 1: C1.

    Google Scholar 

  • International Campaign for Tibet. 1993. Chinese propaganda theme park opens in Florida: ‘Splendid China’ promotes idyllic image of Tibet and other cultures. News release, 6 November 6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, J. W., & Hunt, A. 2003. Splendid China closes today after 10 years: Dwindling attendance, significant losses blamed. Orlando Sentinel, December 31: C1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobson, S. 1991. Park would bring China closer. Orlando Sentinel, August 21: D1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobson, S. 1996. Seventy-five at theme park protest China. Orlando Sentinel, March 17: B3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joseph, S. 1994. Not a splendid experience: The cafeteria-style restaurants inside Splendid China deliver meals with little flavor. Orlando Sentinel, February 18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krueger, J. 1994. After not-so-splendid first year, park pushes marketing. Orlando Business Journal, 11(29): 8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Langley, F. 1993. East meets west: George Chen offers a grand tour of central Florida’s newest attraction, where Chinese artisans have re-created the Great Wall and other fascinating landmarks of China’s past. Orlando Sentinel, October 13: Florida 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J. 2002a. American dreams: If you wish it was Christmas every day, or want to do China in miniature, there’s only one place to go. Guardian, June 8: Travel 10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, J. 2002b. Not-so-Splendid China. Toronto Globe and Mail, July 24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma, C., Liu, C., & Au, L. W. 1989. Shenzhen Splendid China Miniature Scenic Spot. Hong Kong: China Travel Service.

    Google Scholar 

  • Magagnini, S. 1993. China in three hours: Amazing. Sacramento Bee, October 3: TR1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mariano, W. 2004a. Chinese treasures find new homes. Orlando Sentinel, December 10: C1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mariano, W. 2004b. Bidding farewell to Splendid China: Park’s small wonders are on auction block from goldfish to the Great Wall, a Kissimmee attraction is up for sale. Orlando Sentinel, December 6: A1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mariano, W. 2004c. Wonders of China could be yours. Tallahassee Democrat, December 9: E6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mariano, W. 2005. Wall’s great fan chunks it online: A man sells pieces of Splendid China’s Great Wall replica in a bid to save It. Orlando Sentinel, February 19: B6.

    Google Scholar 

  • McCoy, A. 2001. Splendid new year. Pittsburgh Post Gazette, January 19: Arts & Entertainment 29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meikie, S. 1993. Tibet is splendid, but it isn’t part of China. Orlando Sentinel, December 12: A18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mervine, B. 2002. Splendid spin on resort: Bull from the china shop? Orlando Business Journal, 19 (5).

    Google Scholar 

  • Miami Herald. 1993. Editorial: The torturers’ theme park. December 18: 34A.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, K. 2001. Big trouble in Splendid China part of the past. Amusement Business, 113(28): 14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ming D. 1993. Splendid China takes root in US Xinhua News Agency, December 18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morgan, P. 1999. The pace is slow at this educational exhibit in theme park land. Tampa Tribune, April 16: Baylife 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, M. 1992. Work progresses splendidly on China theme park. Orlando Sentinel, May 23: Osceola 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Musselle, K. 1993. Bloodied splendor. Orlando Sentinel, December 30: A22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orlando Sentinel. 1994. Semi-splendid dining. February 20: Florida 18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orlando Sentinel. 1997a. More splendid? August 11: Central Florida Business 2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orlando Sentinel. 1997b. Splendid China raising prices. February 5: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pino, M. 2003. Splendid China loses tourism fight: A theme park on US Highway 192 featuring miniature versions of Chinese landmarks has closed its doors for the final time. Orlando Sentinel, December 31: 11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rohter, L. 1994. China becomes theme park, but cultural debate remains real. New York Times, January 9: I12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rupert, C. 1994. Park recrea9tes splendid China landmarks. Tampa Tribune, July 31: Travel 4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sargent, R. 1996. Splendid China may expand trade center, restaurants, shops part of proposed park additions. Orlando Sentinel, April 6: B8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sargent, R. 1997. Splendid China targets families with expansions, animal shows; AAA members can buy a pass to Cypress Gardens, Fantasy of Flight, Splendid China and Bok Tower. Orlando Sentinel, January 19: Special 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schnedler, J. 1993. The Great Wall is coming to central Florida. Chicago Sun Times, October 17: Travel 2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, M. 1999. China-themed park draws protesters to front door. Ocala Star Banner, March 22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schneider, M. 2004. Splendid China shuts down while other parks thrive. Miami Herald, January 4: 6B.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shattuck, H. 1994. Splendid Florida: Splendid China is state’s latest offering. Houston Chronicle, May 15: Travel 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shenot, C. 1996a. Splendid China turns up flash to lure more elusive cash: The park has been tough to market to tourists who are drawn here by Disney’s fantasy appeal. Orlando Sentinel, January 14: A1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shenot, C. 1996b. Splendid China’s fortune is beginning to improve: Theme park learning to bill itself as a secondary attraction. Orlando Sentinel, February 5: Central Florida Business 9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shenot, C. 1996c. Even-more-Splendid China in a new marketing strategy: The park opens its courtyard free of charge for Chinatown. Orlando Sentinel, July 20: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, J. 2005. Splendid China land sold: A group led by Daryl Carter acquires the 366-acre property for more than $40 million. Orlando Sentinel, May 19: C1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spitz, J. J. 1996a. Splendid China streamlines staff: Several employees have left the attraction as it tries to become more efficient. Orlando Sentinel, August 29: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spitz, J. J. 1996b. Splendid China revamping park to lure families: The Chinatown area will be de-emphasized in favor of big cat shows and tiny ice sculptures. Orlando Sentinel, December 28: C1.

    Google Scholar 

  • St. Petersburg Times. 1995. Teachers rally against Splendid China, November 6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stratton, J. 1997. Dalai Lama’s brother protests at theme park: Splendid China sugarcoats China’s ties to areas that it rules, demonstrators say. Orlando Sentinel, October 13: C1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strother, S. G. 1991. Laying the groundwork for Chinese attraction: $80 million park expected to open in ′93 near Disney. Orlando Sentinel, December 19: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, M. 1998. Splendid isolation. Orlando Sentinel, August 23: Florida 19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Timmerman, K. 1999. Florida Splendid China. American Spectator, 32(3): 28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tin, A. 1993a. Splendid China builder may add nearby resort: China Travel Services is considering buying more and building hotels next to the soon-to-open theme park. Orlando Sentinel, December 7: C1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tin, A. 1993b. New park is splendid for tax rolls: Osceola looks east — to China — for some of the goodies Walt Disney World brought to Orange. Orlando Sentinel, December 17: D1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tin, A. 1993c. The public gets to see the splendor: Florida Splendid China opened to the paying public Sunday and drew more than 3,000 visitors, surpassing expectations. Orlando Sentinel, December 20: A1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tin, A. 1994a. New order: China controls central Florida theme park. The communist nation becomes sole owner of Florida Splendid China after US partner pulls out. Orlando Sentinel, January 15: A1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tin, A. 1994b. China buys Osceola land for $15 million, the 274-acre tract along US Highway 192 adjoins the Florida Splendid China. Orlando Sentinel, May 5: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tin, A. 1994c. Splendid China unveils plans for trade center: The center, 2 miles from Walt Disney World in Osceola County, will cost $50 million. Orlando Sentinel, May 11: B1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tin, A. & Strother, S. 1993. A splendid attraction and a big challenge. Orlando Sentinel, December 12: A1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaughan, V. 1991. Themed out? New attractions pouring in despite “saturated” market. Orlando Sentinel, September 16: Central Florida Business 1.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Wenxian Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Rollins College, USA

    Ilan Alon  & Marc Fetscherin  & 

  2. University of Fribourg, Switzerland

    Philippe Gugler

Copyright information

© 2012 Wenxian Zhang

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Zhang, W. (2012). The Case of Florida Splendid China. In: Alon, I., Fetscherin, M., Gugler, P. (eds) Chinese International Investments. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230361577_16

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation