Overview
Located in Doumu Township, Qianshan City (Anhui), the Doumu Ancient Pottery Heritage Site is a provincial intangible cultural heritage base (2008) and key cultural tourism destination. Its history traces back to Neolithic Xuejiagang Culture (5,000 BCE), with Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai praising its wine vessels. The site spans traditional workshops, a 96-meter Dragon Kiln, and a museum showcasing 120+ pottery types.
Key Features
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Living Heritage
- Dragon Kiln: The 96-meter-long kiln (China’s longest) uses pinewood firing, producing ceramics with four traits: black as lacquer, bright as mirrors, hard as porcelain, resonant as chimes.
- Handmade Process: 14 steps over 25 days, including clay kneading, wheel-throwing, and glazing with local red clay.
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Cultural Significance
- UNESCO-Noted Craft: Techniques mirror Xuejiagang artifacts, earning the title "pottery-making活化石".
- Tang Dynasty Legacy: Li Bai’s poem immortalized Doumu wine sets: "A Shuzhou wine set / A Lishi liquor warmer / Li Bai lives and dies with you.".
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Visitor Experience
- Workshops: Try wheel-throwing or clay sculpting.
- Festivals: Annual Doumu Pottery Cultural Tourism Festival (May) and international exhibitions.
Practical Information
- Ticket: ¥50 (includes kiln tour and museum).
- Transport: 1-hour drive from Tianzhu Mountain or 2-hour bus from Hefei.
- Best Time: April–October for festivals and mild weather.
Global Recognition
- Featured in Beijing/Shanghai International Cultural Expos.
- UNESCO highlights its "非遗+旅游+文创" (heritage+tourism+innovation) model.
