The Yancheng Dafeng Dream Labyrinth, The Largest In The World
The labyrinths themselves are both a question and a challenge ; They are magical and have even been given special powers throughout history. The Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze is no exception, far from it.
This was from the beginning an architectural and engineering challenge, earning it several accolades. However, best of all, it is a site that can be enjoyed alone or in company with the security of having a ticket to the fantasy universe.
Some history about labyrinths
The first labyrinths were found in tombs in ancient Egypt, in the year 2100 BC, and were square in shape. These types of structures were followed by circular labyrinths, characteristic of Etruscan Italy at the end of the 7th century, also BC.
The oldest labyrinths were designed with a single access that, at the same time, was the exit. In this model it was impossible to get lost and its meaning was associated with the dilation of time, a necessary wait for the knowledge of something.
Other types of more complex mazes present forked paths, false entrances and exits and require skill to be traversed without getting lost. These types of labyrinths were used in English royal gardens during the 12th century.
Beyond their architectural or decorative function, they were used for love affairs; hence its degree of difficulty. The most notable of this time were that of André Le Nôtre from Versailles, in France, and that of Gerolamo Frigimelica from Villa Pisani, in Italy.
The Yancheng Dafeng Dream Labyrinth
The Yancheng Dafeng Dream maze has everything you need to offer a dreamlike experience. It has labyrinths within labyrinths, paths with animal shapes, statues, bridges and flowers everywhere, among other attractions.
It is possible to go through the Yancheng Dafeng Dream maze in two hours, for those who take the journey as a skill challenge. However, the point is that, after entering, nobody wants to leave it; many even choose to stay there all day.
Additionally, it has an extensive program of courses, sports and countless activities. The cost of entry is approximately US $7; Another alternative is the one for approximately $22, which includes a complete package that includes all kinds of activities.
Yancheng Dafeng Dream, an architectural challenge
The Yancheng Dafeng Dream Labyrinth itself was an architectural challenge from the start. Therefore, its construction was only possible until 2017, after 5 months of hard work and many additional months of intense planning.
Its dimensions are colossal: it has about 35,600 square meters of construction. That is why it is an infrastructure without equal in the world. The Yancheng Dafeng Dream Labyrinth, also known as “The Labyrinth of Dreams”, is located in East China’s Jiangsu Province.
Due to the spectacular nature of this place, the Guinness World Records organization awarded it 3 records in 2018. One of them classifies it as the largest labyrinth in the world ; another was given for possessing the longest road – about 9.5 kilometers -; and, finally, one more for having the largest number of hedges.
Interesting Facts About the Yancheng Dafeng Dream
The largest labyrinth is shaped like an elk inside and includes more than 100,000 bushes of China’s iconic juniper. However, there are also others with a circular shape, heart and crystal structures.
It has exclusive areas for children and a 20-meter high observation deck, to obtain panoramic views of the route. The Yancheng Dafeng Dream labyrinth ends the journey with an impressive flower castle, which marks the end of the journey.
However, it does not end there; it also houses a water maze and a glass maze. Likewise, you can find here a botanical garden, a go – kart track , several shooting ranges and flower gardens. The area also has a 5-star resort and more than 300 rooms.
The legend of the labyrinths and some curiosities
Legend has it that the first labyrinth was built by the ingenious Daedalus, at the request of King Minos of Crete. He sought to enclose the Minotaur, his son, a particular monster: half man and half bull.
The beast was killed by Theseus, who entered the labyrinth with a skein of thread so as not to get lost and find the way out. This very useful tool had been given to him by Princess Adriadna, who at the same time was the sister of the Minotaur.
The most primitive labyrinth models found so far are found in a set of rock petroglyphs in the Pontevedra region of Spain. These correspond to the Bronze Age.
Finally, it is also interesting that writers such as the Argentine Jorge Luis Borges developed part of their literary work based on the fascination caused by the concept of the labyrinth. Borges’ example inspired other authors to do the same, such as Umberto Eco, who addressed this enigmatic figure in his book The Name of the Rose .
