Alice in Chocolate-land

For those who like Alice, you've read Alice in Wonderland fairy tale, you've watched Alice in Wonderland 3D IMAX on widescreen, but you might have not seen her in a stage play.

Don't worry, you will. This week Alice and her friend Mad Hatter are performing at the World Chocolate Wonderland in Beijing, as part of the countdown carnival before the park closes on April 11.

Since its opening late in January, the Chocolate wonderland has attracted lots and lots of visitors, especially children. But with the weather getting warmer in Beijing, those poor chocolates have to move.

Tina Zheng, CEO of World Chocolate Wonderland, said craftsmen would give all the exhibits a good maintenance after the park closed. "They've been on display for months and need to take a rest for a while."

The chances are slim that people can see these art crafts in China after April 11, because several countries are negotiating with the Wonderland now for touring exhibitions.

But Zheng promised that the Chocolate Wonderland will open again this winter. "There will be brand new exhibits then, totally different from this time. I won't tell you what exactly now, but it's going to be brilliant."

Apart from Alice's visit, this not-sad-at-all goodbye event also includes lotteries, 10 lucky people everyday and each of them will be given a chocolate terra-cotta warrior as a gift. Will they eat them?

Not unlikely. Chocolate… isn't it all about temptation? And I couldn't help wondering how these kids can stand the allurement of the luscious smell while making their own chocolate.

Next to the DIY area, the chocolate supermarket is doing a bustling business too - fancy candies, big-brands' chocolates and all varieties of souvenirs. Perhaps this last-moment shopping can save you as much of the sweet memory as possible.

Story: Christie Lee

Video: Christie Lee

Photograph: Huang Lan