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Terra-cotta warriors.
Terra-cotta warriors as displayed at defunct Forbidden Gardens.

Lucky Land: Terra-Cotta Army

Field review by the editors.

Houston, Texas

In early 2011 Forbidden Gardens closed, an elaborate miniature version of ancient China built on the steamy outskirts of Houston, Texas. Nida Lee, who owned a flea market in the city, never forgot the attraction. She tracked down its owners and bought all 6,000 of the Gardens' one-third scale terra-cotta warriors. She and her husband then dug a big pit, filled it with the diminutive army, and surrounded it with statues of pandas, bronze kung-fu sculptures, koi ponds, and several of Forbidden Gardens' miniature Chinese temples.

Terra-cotta warriors.

The attraction opened in early 2017 as Lucky Land, on three acres next to the flea market. Lee told a local newspaper that she hoped to eventually bring in rickshaws to take guests on rides around the park.

Lucky Land: Terra-Cotta Army

Address:
8625 Airline Drive, Houston, TX
Directions:
North side of the city. I-10 exit 55B northbound or 56B southbound. Drive east on W. Little York Rd for 1.5 miles. Turn left at the stoplight onto Airline Drive. Drive north for one mile. Entrance on the left, about 100 yards north of the Citgo gas station.
Hours:
Tu-Su 9-6 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
281-447-3400
Admission:
Adults $10.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

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