miamatusow

Greetings! My family of four will be in Xian next spring, so I've been doing some reading about various tours (which we're not likely to take). One of the tours, though, mentions not just going to a warrior reproduction factory but getting the chance to make ones own miniature terra cotta warrior while there. Has anyone heard of this?

We're interested in finding as many hands-on activities as possible as we travel through China, so I'm curious about any other activities that might be fun, especially for our two teenagers. Any recommendations in Xian (or in Beijing, for that matter)?

Many thanks!

Nehow

I hope this can help you .

http://www.terracotta-warriors.com/i...iewDoc&docId=9

miamatusow

@Nehow - Yes, I have seen that site. I got the sense, though, that there may be a place where tourists can try forming their own warriors. Have you ever heard of that?

miamatusow

Here's what it says:
"MAKE YOUR OWN TERRACOTTA WARRIOR! You will have an opportunity to visit the Terracotta Reproduction Factory. At the factory, talented craftsmen make these life size replicas in the same manner as their counterparts did two thousand years ago - with just their hands, a few basic tools, and clay. By watching how a terracotta is made, you can try to make your own miniature reproduction of the famous artifact and take it home!"
http://www.greatwalladventure.com/Ch...Tour/Xian2.htm

kja

In honesty, it sounds like a waste of time and money to me -- more like a sales opportunity than a hands-on one. But I could easily be mistaken....

For activities specifically geared toward teenagers in Xi'an, I would be more inclined to look into options to hire bikes to ride the wall (which I don't think you need to do in advance) or roam the Muslim Quarter and maybe go to the Folk Museum there for a visit and puppet show or attend some of the performances at the drum or bell towers or go to the musical water fountain show. But then, I don't travel with teenagers, so again, I could easily be mistaken!

It's a fascinating part of the world - enjoy!

miamatusow

Yes, we certainly plan to bike the wall and explore the Muslim quarter. I will look into the folk museum - thanks!

numbat83

We visited Xi'an in January and were scheduled to ride bikes around the city wall but the pollution was far too heavy and at far too dangerous a level to be outside on a bicycle. You might want to check pollution patterns, because it can be very bad there. Spring might be better though...

kja

Oh yes, do consider the pollution and plan accordingly!