This was from the beginning an architectural and engineering challenge, which earned him several awards. However, the best of all is that it is a site that can be enjoyed alone or in company. with the security of having a ticket to the universe of fantasy.
Some history about the labyrinths
The first labyrinths were found in tombs of ancient Egypt, in the year 2100 before our era, and had a square shape. This type of structure was 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 entrance 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 have forked paths, false entrances and exits and require skill to navigate without getting lost. This type of labyrinths were used in gardens English royals during the 12th century.
Beyond their architectural or decorative function, they were used for love encounters; hence its degree of difficulty. The most notable of this period were the Andre Le Notre of Versailles, in France, and that of Gerolamo Frigimelica of the Villa Pisani, in Italy.
The Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze
The Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze It has everything you need to offer a dreamlike experience. It has labyrinths within labyrinths, routes in the shape of animals, 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 thing is, after getting in, no one wants to get out; many even choose to stay there all day.
Additionally, It has an extensive program of courses, sports and countless activities. The cost of admission is approximately 7 US dollars; another alternative is the one of approximately 22 dollars, 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. That’s why, its construction was only possible until 2017after 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 Maze, also known as “The Labyrinth of Dreams”, is located in the Jiangsu province of eastern China.
Due to the spectacular nature of this place, the Guinness World Records organization awarded it 3 records in 2018. One of them catalogs it as the largest labyrinth in the world; another was given for having 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 maze it is shaped like a moose inside and includes more than 100,000 bushes of China’s iconic juniper. However, there are also others with circular shapes, heart shapes and crystal structures.
It has exclusive areas for children and an observation platform 20 meters high, to obtain panoramic views of the route. The Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze finish off the journey with an impressive castle of flowers, indicating the end of the journey.
However, it does not end there; it also houses a labyrinth of water and another of glass. Likewise, you can find here a botanical garden, a track of karting, various 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 lock up 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 exit. This very useful tool had been given to him by Princess Adrianna, who at the same time was the sister of the Minotaur.
The most primitive models of labyrinth found so far are found in a set of cave petroglyphs in the region of Pontevedra, in Spain. These correspond to the Bronze Age.
Finally, it is also interesting that writers such as the Argentine Jorge Luis Borges developed part of his literary work based on the fascination that the concept of the labyrinth caused him. Borges’s 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.