Foshan is a historical and cultural city located in the center of Guangdong Province. It has been one of the representatives of Cantonese culture, cuisine, martial arts and folk arts for thousands of years. The city made national news headlines lately for hiring five foreigners working as public servants. Why not take a trip over a weekend to experience the artistic side of the beautiful old Cantonese city?

    LOCATED about 190 kilometers away from Shenzhen, Foshan is one of the oldest cities in southern China.

    With a long history dating back to approximately 1,800 years, the city gained its name from the three Buddha statues unearthed in the area during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Having a temperate climate with abundant rainfall, its cuisine is one of fish and rice.

    Aside from fishing and farming, the local craftsmen are also known for their ceremic making skills. Thriving handicraft, commerce, and art industries made the city one of the four most famous towns during the Tang and Song (960-1279) dynasties. It has a reputation as the home of Chinese ceramic arts, Guangdong opera and martial arts. It is the hometown of the well-known movie star Bruce Lee and martial arts master Yip Man.

    While there are many attractions around the city, highlights include Xiqiao Mountain, Foshan Zumiao Temple, Sanshui Lotus World, and Nanhai Guanyin Temple.

    Foshan is also known for its traditional Cantonese delicacies. Must-try snacks include fried glutinous rice balls, South China sashimi, fried milk bar, double-layered milk and sweet tofu.

    Nanfeng Kiln

    The ancient Nanfeng Kiln, where the pottery art of Foshan originated, is located in Shiwan Town. Being the oldest kiln of China, the kiln’s history can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The kiln still operates nowadays, and visitors can enjoy an ever fascinating experience of making their own pottery.

    According to the historical documents, the city became a ceramics base during the Tang and Song dynasties. In the Ming and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, the city’s ceramics were highly developed and the pottery of Shiwan Town won national fame. The “Dragon Kiln” played a dominant role among the kilns of Shiwan Town. This type of kiln is always built against a hill and winds its way along the slope, resembling a gigantic dragon. Now the Nanfeng Kiln is the oldest among the three existing Dragon Kilns.

    Visitors can make pottery by themselves with the assistance of professional workers. You can choose desired types and design distinctive patterns, making it a unique household decoration. Potteries of Shiwan Town are also ideal souvenirs for friends and families.

    Near the kiln, there is also a large area of ancient buildings which used to be accommodation for craftsmen and rich pottery businessmen.

    Price for visiting the kiln is 25 yuan per adult, while it costs 30 yuan per hour for experiencing pottery making and 30 yuan for buying self-made pottery materials. It also takes about one month of waiting to make pottery in the kiln.

    Transport: Take a coach to Foshan from Shenzhen coach stations, such as Yinhu Coach Station, Qiaoshe Coach Station, Futian Coach Station and Luohu Coach Station, and take bus 109, 120 or 137 to the kiln. (Wang Yuanyuan)