A $100 million version of China in miniature has closed after ten years of vying for visitors outside the moat of the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Florida Splendid China, a 76-acre Kissimmee attraction indirectly run by the government of China, closed forever on December 31, 2003, a victim of falling attendance. It opened in late 1993, a controversial magnet attracting Tibetans and humans rights protestors to its gates.

The Splendid China web site explained: "Florida Splendid China Theme Park will discontinue operations in Central Florida as of the close of business on December 31, 2003. This determination was reached primarily due to the continued downturn in the tourism economy, as evidenced by the closing of other tourism-dependent businesses in the area. Despite several years of attempting to achieve successful theme park operations, the company has concluded that it could not longer continue to incur significant losses. To our friends and supporters, we express extreme regret that this action has become necessary."

When we visited in 1997 -- apparently at the park's zenith -- Splendid China had augmented its miniatures with elaborate live music shows, animal performance and exotic acrobatics. Even with the live entertainment, the beautifully crafted palaces and generally sedate atmosphere seemed out of place in the shadow of so many over-the-top theme parks (and no, it wouldn't have done any better in Branson or Pigeon Forge).

Now America's only remaining version of China in miniature is Forbidden Gardens in Texas. [Thanks to tipster Amy]

[01/05/2004]