In the heart of Foshan's Shiwan district stands the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, a Ming Dynasty-era marvel that has defied time by remaining fully operational for five centuries. Known as one of the world’s oldest continuously functioning kilns, its fire has burned unextinguished since 1506 – a testament to China’s enduring ceramic traditions.
Visitors today can witness the kiln’s rare firing process, conducted just twice monthly, where temperatures reach 1,300°C to transform local clay into lustrous pottery. The site uniquely bridges past and present, showcasing both Ming-era dragon kiln architecture and contemporary ceramic installations from over 300 artists.
Beyond historical preservation, the kiln serves as an interactive cultural hub. Travelers can try pottery-making using traditional techniques, while scholars value its living insights into ancient industrial practices. For business analysts, it represents the resilience of China’s cultural industries – ceramic exports from Guangdong grew 8% year-on-year in 2023, with Shiwan ware gaining global recognition.
