Last Unique Look at The Chinese Nightingale in Efteling

Efteling fans, it’s official: Yesterday marked the final day for “The Chinese Nightingale” in the Fairy Tale Forest. After 27 years, the beloved attraction has closed its doors for good in its current form. Those who wanted to experience the fairy tale one last time in all its glory had until March 8, 2026. The Nightingale is flying away for now — but it will return as early as 2027 in a completely new form.

The farewell was especially emotional for seven lucky winners of an Efteling contest. They were allowed to enter the imperial palace through the back door and see the attraction up close one final time — a moment they’re unlikely to ever forget.

As of today, the ornamental garden and the entire area around The Emperor of China’s Palace are closed to visitors. Construction work has started on the park’s 32nd fairy tale: The Fairy Tale Library. Right next door, “The Chinese Nightingale” will return in a brand-new interpretation.

The Erfgoedbeheer team did an excellent job in the final weeks. They thoroughly documented the fairy tale in its current form with photos and videos. Important original figures such as the two nightingales, the emperor, the striking figure of Death and the masks will be preserved as valuable Efteling heritage. Numerous details were also carefully recorded.

Anyone wanting to take the magic home can now buy the official room spray featuring the unmistakable scent of The Chinese Nightingale for €17.50 at the souvenir shop In den Ouden Marskramer — while stocks last. The popular scents from Droomvlucht, Fata Morgana, Symbolica, De Vliegende Hollander and Piraña are still available as well.

The current version was designed by master designer Ton van de Ven and opened in 1999 as one of his final works for Efteling. The story itself comes from Hans Christian Andersen and tells the touching tale of the Emperor of China who receives a mechanical, jewel-encrusted nightingale, forgets the real one, and is ultimately saved only by its unconditional love and song.

A lovely farewell gift is already available: The official walkthrough video on the Efteling Channel lets every fan experience the fairy tale once more with a calm virtual walk — from the magnificent gallery to the ailing emperor, the dramatic Pepper’s Ghost appearance of Death, and the redeeming return of the real nightingale.