There’s something endlessly fascinating about a maze. Perhaps it’s the childlike thrill of getting lost, the playful challenge of solving your way out, or the quiet joy of wandering through greenery without knowing what lies around the bend. Since the Middle Ages, when labyrinths were laid out in cathedrals and palace gardens, these puzzling pathways have been both a test of wit and a meditative escape. Unlike labyrinths, which usually lead you on a single path inward, mazes branch, twist, and trick you with dead ends, making every step part of the puzzle.
And if you think you’ve outgrown the charm of a maze, wait till you hear about the Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze in Jiangsu, China—the largest maze in the world.
Spread across a staggering 35,596.74 square metres (over nine acres), the Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze holds the Guinness World Record as the largest permanent hedge maze on the planet. Built between April and September 2017, it was officially recognised in June 2018. The sheer scale is hard to imagine: the pathways stretch a total of 9.45 kilometres (nearly six miles) and are lined with more than 100,000 Chinese juniper shrubs.
The centrepiece is an elk-shaped maze—a nod to the region’s ecological heritage, particularly the Père David’s deer (locally known as milu) that the Dafeng District is famous for conserving. From above, the maze looks like a majestic elk striding through green fields. On the ground, it feels like wandering through leafy corridors that shift between challenge and enchantment.
For those who’d like a bird’s-eye perspective before diving in, observation towers rise above the hedges, offering sweeping views of the patterns below. Smaller mazes, including a heart-shaped one, circular ones, and a children’s maze, make the attraction accessible for all ages. It’s as much about wonder as it is about problem-solving.
The Dream Maze isn’t only about hedges and pathways. It’s part of a larger scenic complex that blends leisure, education, and cultural storytelling. There are treasure-hunt style games within the maze, rest areas scattered along the paths, and themed gardens that bloom seasonally, creating a changing backdrop throughout the year.
The story of the maze is also tied to a local legend. Historical accounts trace its inspiration back to the Yuan Dynasty, when rebel leader Zhang Shicheng is said to have used labyrinth-like defences in the old city of Yancheng to outwit enemies. Today, that history is reimagined through a design philosophy that brings together “maze, paradise, and garden” in one sprawling experience.
Beyond the greenery, the complex includes flower gardens, archery fields, trampoline courses, and even a karting track, making it a destination in itself. Families often combine a maze adventure with stops at the colourful flower castle or the VR experience hall. For longer stays, there are restaurants serving local Jiangsu specialities and accommodation ranging from elegant halls to quirky container-style camps. In short, you can lose yourself in the maze, and then continue exploring in a dozen different ways.
The best time to experience the Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze is in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when Jiangsu enjoys mild weather and the hedges look their lushest. Summers tend to be hot and humid, while winters, though less severe, bring more muted colours. If you want to avoid crowds, weekdays are your friend.
The maze is located in Caoyan town, Dafeng District, in Yancheng city, Jiangsu province, an area also celebrated for its rich biodiversity. The nearby Dafeng Milu Deer Reserve makes for an excellent pairing with your visit, especially if you’re curious to see the animal that inspired the maze’s elk-shaped design.
Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast, a curious traveller, or simply someone who enjoys unique landscapes, the Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze offers a mix of challenge, history, and playfulness. It’s not just the world’s largest maze, it’s a reminder of how human creativity can transform a simple game of hide-and-seek into a full-fledged journey of discovery.
Q1. Where is the Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze located?
It is in Caoyan town, Dafeng District, Yancheng city, Jiangsu province, China.
Q2. What makes it the world’s largest maze?
It covers over nine acres, with 35,596.74 square metres of pathways totaling 9.45 km and lined with more than 100,000 Chinese juniper shrubs.
Q3. When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for mild weather and lush greenery.
Q4. Are there activities beyond the maze?
Yes, visitors can enjoy flower gardens, archery, trampolines, VR experiences, karting tracks, and local cuisine.
Q5. Is it suitable for families?
Absolutely. The maze has smaller themed mazes, observation towers, and recreational facilities for all ages.