Shiwan Town, located in Chancheng District, stands as one of China’s most significant birthplaces of ceramics, renowned for its profound ceramic heritage and the charm of its ancient town.
The Guangdong Shiwan Ceramic Museum showcases a diverse collection of ceramic works spanning ancient times to the present, illustrating the millennia-old history of Shiwan pottery.
Nanfeng Kiln stands as Shiwang’s iconic landmark. This ancient kiln, over 500 years old and still in operation today, is hailed as a “living cultural relic.” Here, visitors can witness traditional ceramic firing techniques firsthand.
The ancient town preserves numerous buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Strolling through its streets feels like stepping back in time.
Nanfeng Kiln
Located in Shiwan Town, Nanfeng Kiln stands as one of the world’s oldest surviving wood-fired dragon kilns. Constructed during the Ming Dynasty, it remains in operation to this day. Built along the mountainside, the kiln’s serpentine form resembles a dragon, earning its name from its south-facing entrance. Spanning 34.4 meters in length, Nanfeng Kiln primarily fires large-scale daily-use pottery.
The site also preserves several ancient Ming and Qing dynasty structures, including the Gao Temple and the Lin Family Ancestral Hall. A towering banyan tree at the kiln’s rear stands as a remarkable feature of Nanfeng Kiln, having guarded this land for over 400 years.
Shiwan Doll Street
Shiwan Doll Street is an old street brimming with Lingnan characteristics and ceramic culture, established around 1998 and adjacent to the Nanfeng Kiln Scenic Area. The street preserves traditional Lingnan architecture such as blue-brick houses and Hu’er Shanfang-style buildings. Pottery shops lining both sides of the street are renowned for Shiwan dolls, offering a wide variety of ceramic artworks—from figurines and animals to vessels—all vividly lifelike with rich, deep glazes. Additionally, the street hosts pottery demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience the artistry firsthand.