Shiwan Town-Hometown of Ceramics!
Located in Chancheng District, Shiwan Town is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese ceramics and is renowned for its profound ceramic culture and ancient town charm.
Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum displays a wide range of ceramic works from ancient times to the present, showcasing the thousand-year history of Shiwan pottery.
Nanfeng Kiln is a symbolic site of Shiwan. This ancient kiln, with a history of over 500 years, is still in use today and is known as a "living cultural relic." People can witness the traditional ceramic firing techniques here.
The ancient town retains many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time.
Whether you are exploring the ceramic culture or experiencing the ancient town's charm, Shiwan Town is a must-visit destination that proves to be fascinating.
Must-See Highlights
Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum
Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum is the first industry museum in Guangdong themed on ceramic culture, officially opened in 2004. Covering an area of about 5,600 square meters, the museum is divided into dynamic and static exhibition areas.
The dynamic exhibition area preserves two national key cultural relics, the Nanfeng Kiln and Gao Kiln, both ancient dragon kilns for wood firing. It also features a restored traditional pottery workshop called “Guliu Workshop” and a cluster of Ming and Qing Dynasty residential buildings.(The dynamic exhibition area is consist of other scenic spots.)
The static exhibition area mainly focuses on the “Shiwan Ceramics Historical and Cultural Exhibition,” which is divided into five sections, showcasing the historical evolution and artistic achievements of Shiwan ceramics. The museum also has a special exhibition hall for short-term exhibitions.
Travel Information
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Closed on Mondays); 9:00-20:00 (National Public Holidays)
Suggested Visit Duration:1 to 1.5 hours
Nanfeng Kiln
Located in Shiwan Town, Nanfeng Kiln is one of the oldest surviving wood-fired dragon kilns in the world. It was built during the Ming Dynasty and is still in use today. Built along the slope of a hill, it resembles a long dragon and is named for its kiln mouth facing south. Nanfeng Kiln is 34.4 meters long and is mainly used for firing large daily-use pottery products.
The site also retains many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as the Gaomiao Temple and the Lin Family Hall. The towering banyan tree at the end of the kiln is a major wonder of Nanfeng Kiln, having guarded this land for over 400 years.
Travel Information:
Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30(all year round)
Night Tour Hours:18:30-21:00, Friday to Sunday (including national public holidays)
Suggested Visit Duration: 2 hours
Shiwan Doll Street
Shiwan Doll Street is an old street filled with Lingnan characteristics and ceramic culture. It was established around 1998, adjacent to the Nanfeng Kiln scenic area. The street preserves traditional Lingnan architecture, such as grey-brick houses and pot-eared gable houses. Known for selling Shiwan ceramic dolls, the street is lined with pottery shops featuring a variety of products, including human figures, animals, and vessels. These items are vividly modeled and have rich, thick glazes. The street also offers pottery-making demonstrations, allowing people to experience the charm of pottery.
Travel Information:
Opening Hours: all the time
Suggested Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
Can't-miss Food of Shiwan Town
The cuisine of Shiwan Town is characterized by traditional Lingnan flavors. The most representative dish is Huangxi Fish Balls, which are renowned for their unique ingredients and handmade craftsmanship. As an intangible cultural heritage passed down for centuries, they have a chewy texture and an incredibly fresh taste. Shiwan also offers Hakka Lei Cha (tea paste) pies, which are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with savory meat fillings that pair perfectly with Lei Cha. Another highlight is the charcoal-grilled sticky rice chicken, featuring soft glutinous rice, rich fillings, and the fragrant aroma of lotus leaves.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shiwan Town is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
The cool weather during these seasons is perfect for outdoor activities and allows you to fully experience the ceramic culture and ancient town charm of Shiwan.
Every autumn, the town hosts the Ceramic Culture Festival, which features many exciting events that are definitely worth experiencing.
