Wuzhou Kiln opening ceremony in Jinhua unveils timeless craftsmanship

The third Wuzhou Kiln Opening Ceremony takes place at the China Wuzhou Kiln Museum in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, on March 16. [Photo/Tide News]

The third Wuzhou Kiln Opening Ceremony took place at the China Wuzhou Kiln Museum in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, on March 16, attracting enthusiasts, tourists, and industry experts to celebrate the enduring beauty of Wuzhou Kiln craftsmanship.

Wuzhou Kiln is a renowned celadon kiln dating back to ancient times and one of China's six major celadon production sites. In 2014, the traditional firing techniques of Wuzhou Kiln were recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Jinhua identified two new Shangshan cultural sites in 2025, including the Yuanshang site in Qingtangxia village. At the event, Chen Xinhua, a national inheritor of Wuzhou Kiln firing techniques, introduced a series of cultural and creative products inspired by an ancient phoenix-patterned pottery piece unearthed at the Yuanshang site, showcasing the integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics.

The event featured an apprenticeship ceremony where 13 disciples presented their apprenticeship letters to Chen. He urged them to uphold tradition while embracing innovation, encouraging an in-depth study of Wuzhou Kiln techniques integrated with contemporary aesthetics to vitalize this ancient art.

Additionally, a bustling food market offered local delicacies like Wucheng glutinous rice cakes and Jinhua tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), allowing attendees to savor local flavors while appreciating the ancient kiln heritage.

The ceremony not only provided a rich cultural experience but also promoted the preservation and innovation of Wuzhou Kiln culture. Looking ahead, Wuzhou Kiln culture is poised to flourish globally through the fusion of tradition and innovation.