Qianshu Dragon Kiln
前墅龙窑
An ancient dragon kiln first built in the Ming dynasty and still fired with wood today. Built into a hillside in the shape of a long dragon, it is the most lively and authentic ceramic heritage site in Dingshu, the Pottery Capital.
Qianshu Dragon Kiln is in Qianshu Village, Dingshu Town. First built in the Ming dynasty, its body climbs diagonally up the slope and measures more than 40 meters long. A row of stoking holes along its back gives it the look of a crouching dragon. It is the only surviving ancient dragon kiln in Yixing that still uses traditional wood-firing techniques, and it forms part of the Yixing Kiln Sites, a national key cultural heritage site.
Outside of firing days, you can see the kiln body and the jars, urns, and unfired purple clay pieces stacked nearby. On firing days, you can watch kiln workers take turns feeding in wood as the fire glows red, a scene that is very popular with photographers. Admission is free. A visit takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The kiln is in the village, so reach it by car or taxi. It can be combined with Shushan Ancient South Street and the Ceramics Museum for a half-day Dingshu tour.
Opening hours
All day (kilns are working production areas; do not enter kilns)
Nearby sights
- Shushan Ancient South Street
- Zhanggong Cave
- China Yixing Ceramics Museum
- Longbeishan Forest Park
- Linggu Cave
- Dongjiu Lakeside Park
- Zhouwang Temple
- Longchishan Bicycle Park