Kiln Mound

Kiln Mound

The Kiln Mound is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Zhejiang Province.

The Kiln Mound is located at No. 132 and 133, Wuqiaotou, Gan Yao Village, Gan Yao Town. Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, it remains in operation due to normal production needs, hence requiring partial maintenance every year.

The kiln covers an area of 500 square meters and consists of two interconnected circular chambers, hence known as the Hehe Kiln. It has a double-cylinder structure, with brick walls all around and two chimneys on the roof. A brick staircase connects the ground to the roof between the two kilns, used for carrying water. There is one firing door on the east and west sides respectively, along with three kiln sheds.

The process from raw earth to bricks and tiles involves multiple steps, and the kiln mound is the most crucial facility in producing the final product. Clay molds are loaded into the kiln and fired into bricks. This kiln is still in use today, making it a “living” heritage site. It not only reflects the brick and tile firing techniques and craftsmanship of the late Qing Dynasty, but also showcases the social development through the ongoing activities of firing bricks and tiles.

In March 2005, it was designated as part of the fifth batch of Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Zhejiang Province.

Gan Yao Village: Located in the town center of Gan Yao Town, Jiashan County, Gan Yao Village is traversed by the Shanxi Highway and Shanjiang Highway. The village encompasses 21 natural villages, 20 small communities, with a total of 1,297 households, a permanent population of 3,687, and over 8,000 migrant residents. The village has 2,865 acres of arable land. In 2011, the village established a Party Committee with nine Party branches and over 150 Party members. Within this relatively small village area, the people of Gan Yao Village have embraced scientific development and innovative thinking. The Village Party Committee shoulders the mission of the entire community, strives in practice, and lives up to expectations through its actions... More details about Gan Yao Village++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Zhejiang Province