Maple Stone Ancient Village

Maple Stone Ancient Village

Maple Stone Village is located in the central part of Xiakou Town, Jiangshan City, Zhejiang Province, nestled in a picturesque landscape with a prime geographical position. The ancient Xianxia Trail, part of the historic maritime Silk Road, runs right through the village. Boasting stunning natural scenery, the area features shimmering waves at Nanyang Lake, lotus-like blossoms on Lotus Mountain, clear streams flowing through hidden channels, and the remarkably lifelike Chess Basin Mountain—making it a truly beautiful destination.

Maple Stone Village in Xiakou Town was formed by merging the former Maple Stone Village and Zi’An Village, and is home to numerous historical relics. Well-preserved ancient buildings, some built against mountains and others nestled by water, all reflect the ancient philosophy of skillfully utilizing nature’s gifts. The seamless blend and exquisite craftsmanship of “blue bricks, small tiles, horse-head walls, corridors adorned with carved flower-patterned windows” showcase the ingenuity and masterful artistry of the ancestors.

Zi’An also has another beautiful name, Ziling An. But what truly made it famous is an industry that has thrived for nearly three hundred years—ceramics production—boasting the titles of “China’s oldest surviving kiln site” and “one of the birthplaces of early blue-and-white porcelain in China.”

As early as the Shang and Zhou dynasties over three thousand years ago, this area was already dotted with porcelain kilns. By the Tang and Song dynasties, nearby regions had gathered the techniques and products of major kiln systems of the time, among which blue-and-white porcelain gained renown for its rich variety and unique glaze colors.

Today, although the ceramics industry in this ancient kiln village has gradually declined, remnants of its former glory can still be seen. Water-powered trip hammers, clay-washing pools, and kilns remain, along with the grand “dragon kiln” jointly built and used by local families. Stretching nearly 40 meters in length, it slopes from low in the front to high in the back, following the contour of the mountain as it winds along.

The Egret Bridge Road Shelter is another unique historical feature of Maple Stone, setting it apart from other ancient villages besides the ancient kilns. Built during the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty and stretching from north to south, this structure functions more like a shelter house protecting weary travelers from wind and rain. It features a traditional raised-beam construction with five spans, topped with dark tiles, enclosed entirely in brick except for two tall arched gateways on the north and south sides for people to pass through.

Now free from clamor and stripped of its former glamour, the ancient kiln village enjoys a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Lush green bamboo stands gracefully, forming an impenetrable wall of green around the mountain village. Yellow-earth rammed houses are scattered picturesquely across this sea of green. In the distance, post-rain mist churns like ocean waves halfway up the hills, while smoke curls lazily from chimneys of nearby houses—a scene reminiscent of the pastoral idyll: “Dimly seen hamlets nestle in the distance, curling smoke rises from village roofs.”

With few residents, the village is free from the noise of crowds, allowing the clear, pure stream that sings all day long to take center stage, bringing life and vibrancy to the small mountain settlement. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine that this very stream once powered ten water trip hammers that operated day and night, driving the prosperity and glory of the ancient kiln village in days gone by.

Transportation:

Maple Stone Village in Xiakou Town is located in the central part of the town, 35 kilometers from downtown Jiangshan City. National Highway 205 lies less than 1 kilometer to the west of the village, and the Beijing–Taipei Expressway also runs through the area, with its exit conveniently located right at the entrance of the village’s modern agricultural park—offering extremely convenient access.