Penyao Village - the Home of Pottery

The ancient kiln site(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

Guichuan boasts 8 spectacular attractions, one of which is poetically described as the “Lonely Hill under the Moonlight”. Penyao Village, a bucolic idyll laced with gurgling streams and blooming wild flowers, sits at the foot of the Lonely Hill, or Mount Du as it is officially known. What is more impressive is the fact that the village has been creating and handcrafting  pottery ever since the Ming Dynasty for over 500 years. Visitors to the village are treated to a stunning view of the mountain, an exclusive glimpse into the pottery production process, a nice walk along the streams and creeks and a truly memorable getaway experience from the hustle and bustle of life.     

 

Attention to detail(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

Penyao Village of Jiuxian County is famous for its pottery. According to the village’s elders, a couple fled from Shanxi Province and found refuge here in the Ming Dynasty, and they found the local soil suitable for making pottery. The place gradually grew into a village after they settled down here. For centuries, the village has retained its original pottery and earth kiln production techniques while striving to move forward with the times with new creations such as black clay pottery.

Hand-crafted pottery(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

Penyao Village - the home of pottery(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

Penyao Village is truly a fabulous, enchanting world of pottery.

Here you can easily find pottery-making containers and tools of all sorts and shapes, including clay pots and tins, eaves tiles, cat heads and drain tiles. As one strolls about the village, one may chance upon ample opportunities for amazement - not the least of which is a visit to the ancient kiln site that dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, where one can feast their eyes on the traditional pottery making process and a remarkable collection of clay sculptures.

The art of crafting eaves tiles(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

The site of pottery-making(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

One of the most sought-after and memorable experiences here is the opportunity for visitors to leave a touch of their creativity behind by handcrafting their own pottery in the DIY Garden. The Garden offers a tranquil and cozy setting adorned with rows of tins, bottles and bowls of baked clay featured in various styles and colors. As a lump of clay softens, rotates, rises and takes shape in nimble hands, it seems to be endowed with life and soul.

Penyao Village offers a relaxed and educational pottery-making experience in a peaceful idyllic setting surrounded by mother nature. Here you can find the perfect haven for your soul and mind to rest.(Kevin)