Meet the terra-chocca army! China opens chocolate theme park (and yes, the attractions are edible)

By CHRIS SLACK



Chocolate army: The Terracotta Army depicted in chocolate is one of the main exhibits at the World Chocolate Wonderland in Shanghai, China



For chocoholics around the world, it sounds like a vision of heaven.

With chocolate shoes, handbags and cars that can be bought with chocolate money it caters for almost every need.

And not to miss out, it even has classic paintings, historical figures, porcelain and a river using the treat to flow like water.



Trooping the colour brown: Every soldier in the Qin Shi Huang army was moulded by the master chocolatiers



Battle hungry: A young boy admires one of the lifesize figures from the Terracotta Army



While the above may sound like a dreamland, it is now a reality in Shanghai, China, thanks to the World Chocolate Wonderland.

The tasty theme park, located in the city's Himalaya Art Museum, will showcase around 200 of the best art pieces using chocolate as its base material.

The three-month exhibition has several signature pieces that have been designed thanks to inspiration around the world.

Perhaps the most spectacular exhibit is a replica of the Terracotta Army of Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang, with each soldier moulded from chocolate.



Choc and awe: This replicate of the Transformers' robot Bumblebee is one of the main exhibits, while this vase may look like it is made of china, but it's actually chocolate



Something fishy: One of the chocolatiers decided to create sushi



That's a lot of car-bohydrates: BMW unveiled a version of one of their cars at the festival in Beijing, which took place last year



A sterling achievement: This 100 dollar bill from the chocolate reserve was specially minted for the occasion



Elsewhere Chinese culture has widely influenced some designs with Shanghai's Huangpu River flowing with liquid chocolate.

There are also reproductions of famous paintings the 'Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains' and 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival'.

More modern designs include a design of the Bumblebee car robot from the film Transformers.



Quite a feat: These training shoes after crafted from white chocolate. Visitors to the event have the chance to make their own chocolate under the instruction of professionals



Bag of sweets, anyone? These Louis Vuitton handbags are also on display at the show



Guests will be able to make there own chocolate on the spot, or instruct professionals to mix up varieties that include truffles and wine.

The World Chocolate wonderland is opening its doors for the second time following the a previous showcase in Beijing in January 2010.

The event in the Chinese capital attracted more than 500,000 visitors.



source: dailymail