”Ceramic Heritage Route“ — 2 Missions, 5,000 Years of Pottery

Hello agents,

Yesterday marked the traditional Chinese festival “Dragon Heads-Raising Day” (the second day of the second lunar month), which also coincided with the annual kiln-opening ceremony at Nanfeng Ancient Kiln in Foshan.

In this issue, we’re introducing two nearby missions deeply connected to Foshan’s identity as the “Ceramic Capital of Southern China”:

  • “Ceramic Art Garden” (陶都艺苑)
  • “Flame of the Ancient Kiln” (古灶薪传)

Both missions are located within walking distance and can be completed in a single route.

🔥 A Kiln That Has Burned for 500 Years

The Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, built during the Ming Dynasty (early 16th century), is one of the oldest continuously operating wood-fired dragon kilns in the world.



A dragon kiln is a long, sloped kiln built along a hillside, where fire travels upward—like a dragon breathing flames.

Despite wars, political upheavals, and centuries of change, this kiln has never stopped burning for over 500 years.

Every year, during this festival, the first firing of the year is opened.

There is a famous saying:

“One color into the kiln, ten thousand colors out.”


 

Because of the unique Shiwan glaze transformation technique, each ceramic piece emerges with unpredictable textures and colors—almost like opening a mystery box.

Many of these freshly fired works are available for visitors to select and purchase during the ceremony.

🏺 Not Just 500 Years — But 5,000 Years

While the kiln itself has burned for 500 years, Foshan’s pottery history goes back much further.

Archaeological discoveries show that:

  • Pottery production in this region dates back over 5,000 years
  • By the Han Dynasty (~2000 years ago), artisans were already creating detailed ceramic models of houses, boats, and figures
  • By the Tang Dynasty, large-scale kiln production had emerged
  • By the Song Dynasty, ceramics from Foshan were already exported overseas via maritime trade



In short:

👉 This is not just a craft.
👉 This is an industrial system, an art form, and a cultural legacy evolving over millennia.

🎭 The Rise of Shiwan Ceramics

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Foshan’s ceramic industry reached its peak.

Beyond daily-use items, artisans began creating expressive sculptures known as:

“Shiwan Figurines” (石湾公仔)



These include:

  • Historical figures
  • Mythological characters
  • Animals and nature themes

They were widely used to decorate temples and traditional buildings across southern China and even exported to Southeast Asia.

If you’ve seen colorful rooftop sculptures on traditional Chinese architecture—
there’s a high chance they came from Foshan.



🗺️ Mission 1: Ceramic Art Garden

The first mission, “Ceramic Art Garden”, takes place in Shiwan Park.

This is a sculpture park where ceramic artworks are integrated into the natural environment.

Along the route, you’ll encounter:

  • Various Shiwan ceramic sculptures hidden in the landscape
  • The Pottery Master Temple — a shrine dedicated to the patron figure of ceramic artisans

Originally built in the 13th century, the temple was destroyed during wartime and later reconstructed in 2005 using traditional Lingnan architectural style.




💡 Fun note for agents:
The mission icon features an 8-meter-tall sculpture called “Ceramic Lady” in the lake.
However… there is no portal there—because it’s located in the middle of the water and not safely accessible 😄

🚶 Mission 2: Flame of the Ancient Kiln

After completing the first mission, continue from Teapot Square to start:

👉 “Flame of the Ancient Kiln”

Along the way, you’ll pass through:

  • “Figurine Street” — a local marketplace filled with ceramic works
  • Optional stop: Shiwan Ceramics Museum (recommended if you have time)

The route ends at the entrance of Nanfeng Ancient Kiln.

📍 Optional Points of Interest (Not in Mission Route)

Due to route balance and difficulty, a few nearby locations were not included, but are worth visiting:

  • Berlin Art Museum
    Featuring works by master ceramic artist Pan Bailin
  • Shiwan Liquor Culture Museum
    A modern exhibition space about Chinese baijiu (distilled spirits)
    Includes a café offering creative drinks like baijiu latte

🚇 Route Info

  • Total walking distance: ~1.5 km
  • Easy access:
    • Metro Line 2 → Shiwan Station (start from park)
    • Or bus to Nanfeng Ancient Kiln (reverse route)

🧭 Final Words

From prehistoric pottery fragments
to global ceramic trade
to a kiln that has burned for five centuries—

This route compresses 5,000 years of history into a 1.5 km walk.

We hope these two missions offer not just gameplay,
but a deeper connection to Foshan’s identity.

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