Nanfeng Ancient Kiln
World's oldest functioning dragon kiln, where ceramic fires have burned continuously for over 500 years
- City
- Foshan
- Address
- N°6 Gaomiao Road, Shiwan Town, Chancheng District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province
- Cost
- 25 RMB
南风古灶、高灶陶窑全貌.jpg
#### Photo credit : @Pkkj (CC License)
Nanfeng Ancient Kiln is a National 4A Tourist Attraction and one of the oldest wood-fired dragon kilns still in use in the world. Built during the Ming Zhengde period (1506-1521) , its kiln fire has been burning continuously for over 500 years, making it the longest-living and best-preserved ancient dragon kiln in China and the world . It is known as a "living relic and unmovable national treasure".
The kiln is built along a hillside, with its mouth facing south to catch the cooling summer wind, hence the name 南风 Nanfeng South Wind Kiln.
Features & Design
- Total Length 34.4 meters
- Inner Length 30.87 meters
- Fire Holes 29 rows on the kiln surface
- Firing Temperature up to 1250°C
- Firing Frequency once per month
About Gao Kiln 高灶
Built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it is known as the Twin Kilns together with Nanfeng Kiln. The ancient banyan tree at the end of the kiln coexists with the kiln body, creating the natural wonder of "tree wrapping the kiln" .
Featured Experiences
#### Pottery DIY
At the Pottery Art Center, visitors can experience:
- Wheel throwing : shape clay on a potter's wheel
- Carving and painting : decorate your own ceramic pieces
Cost: 50-150RMB (finished products can be fired and mailed to your home)
#### Kiln Opening Ceremony
On the 1st and 15th of each lunar month and during traditional festivals, visitors can witness the kiln opening ceremony, the moment when ceramics are "reborn from the ashes"
### Opening Hours
Main Area 8:30 am - 5:30 pm (ticket sales stop at 5:00 pm)
Night Tour Until 9:00 pm (Friday–Sunday only)
Nearby Attractions
- Shiwan Ceramics Museum
- Meitaowan Cultural and Creative Park
- Foshan Ancestral Temple (within 30 min drive)
More about Foshan