Century-old Pottery Workshops
百年老陶作坊
Generations-old Uyghur pottery workshops tucked beneath the high-platform dwellings, where you can watch potter's-wheel throwing, glazing and wood-fired kiln firing as they have been done for centuries.
Kashgar pottery has a history of more than a thousand years, and the Gaotai dwelling area is the birthplace of the craft. 'Kuozi Qiyabeixi' means 'pottery on the high cliff'. Several Uyghur pottery families still run century-old workshops beneath the cliff, the most famous being the Tursun Rouzi family, now in its six or seven generations. In the workshops you can see the whole process: foot-powered potter's wheels, carving, green-brown glazing and firing in earthen kilns. The jars, bowls and handwashing pitchers have a rustic, sturdy charm and make good souvenirs. Some workshops offer throwing experiences for a fee. Opening hours may change as the restoration of the Gaotai dwellings progresses, so it is best to ask locals once you reach the eastern part of the Old City. When buying pottery, make sure it is well packed to avoid breakage.
Opening hours
Daytime (per workshop)
Nearby sights
- Gaotai Ancient Residences
- Kashgar Grand Bazaar
- People's Square & Mao Statue
- Kashgar Old City
- Han Bazaar Food Street & Night Market
- Mausoleum of Yusuf Khass Hajib
- Id Kah Mosque
- Century-old Teahouse