Customer Reviews

Ancient China (Treasure Chests)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I used this with a group of 10 year olds (as a model for creating their own treasure chest) and they thoroughly enjoyed it.

The contents stimulated some discussion and the building of the models and map were enjoyed.

However, it is really a stimulous to further research rather than a source of anything other than 'bit' knowledge.

Having said that, it was worth buying.

This is the second item from Running Press' "Treasure Chest" series that I have used (I bought "Ancient Egypt" before.) Overall, the Ancient China set is good, and I would recommend it, but it does have some problems.
The calligraphy kit worked better than I expected, and we both had a good time with it. My daughter lost the I Ching coins, so I never got to try them. Both the Chinese chess and the Great Wall watchtower model were relatively simple, but the instructions were unclear, this was the biggest flaw of the whole kit. The map and stickers were a hit with my daughter,as was the deities poster. I was surprised to see some of the figures included, like Shi-Huangdi (no mention of his campaign of terror and book burning) and Buddha while Confucius was excluded. The folding fan was cute, but stickers don't adhere too well to the folds, as can be expected. The book provided excellent snippets of information surrounded with great illustrations, I was very pleased with it.
Overall, I would say my 7yo and I enjoyed it and I intend to buy more kits form this series.

This is a great product! The children were so excited when they opened the box! Real coins, real ink and brush, real fan, a mock castle to build, a game to play and serveal other exciting learning tools. This was a real treasur to use!

The fan activity intends that the child place stickers on the fan. The sticker have so little adhesive that they do not stick at all. Not even for a second. The model has instructions with lettered pieces. The pieces don't have the letters on the backsides. You need to identify the pieces based on the not very detailed pictures in the instructions.

It is an OK kit. The reading material is interesting though nothing you could not find in any book. The iChing coins and calligraphy were a big hit.

This product was absolutely excellent. I have developed a stronger sense of appreciation of China. The kit has a great calligraphy section. BUY THIS KIT TODAY!

This kit comes from a series that includes "Ancient Egypt", "Ancient Greece", "Ancient Rome", "Ancient Sock Drawer". You are much better off going to a Chinese Grocery Store or an actual Chinese person for the same information. The Trinkets (I-Ching Coins and ink/brush combo) are nice, but with the proliferation of Chinese Astrology Kits and Chinese Ink Painting Kits (Damn you, Klutz Press, what have you Wrought??), you do get more by buying the extra trinkets separately. No synergism here folks, just a handy cardboard treasure chest of Asian Exotica. Yeah right. I also bought 500 Army Men for $1.98. Buy it if you want, just don't get your hopes up!

THIS ANCIENT CHINA BOOK HAS ALLOWED ME TO EXPAND MY HORIZONS. I ABSOLUTLEY LOVED THE CALLIGRAPHY SECTION AND HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH CHINA. I'M BOOKED FOR NEXT MONTH. GO BOUY THE BOOK AND YOU WILL SEE WHAT I MEAN.

This book was supposed to come with a Chinese Caligraphy brush/ink and some instructions. That is why (Treasure Chest) is added after the book title, and that is why the price is so high for such a very thin book. Alas, only the book was sent to me.