Jingxing Kiln Ruins

Jingxing Kiln Ruins

The Jingxing Kiln Ruins are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Jingxing Kiln Ruins are located in the central-northern part of Jingxing County and the Jingxing Mining District in Hebei Province. They form an extensive ancient kiln complex with a long firing history and rich cultural significance.

These kilns operated across approximately 1,300 years, spanning the Sui, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. As one of the four major kilns in Hebei Province, the Jingxing Kiln played a significant role in the history of Chinese ceramic culture and was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 2001.

After a decade of archaeological investigation, Chinese archaeologists have identified and confirmed 10 kiln area sites. Among them, the Hedongpo and Fengjiagou areas each exceed 100,000 square meters in size, while the Chengguan kiln site is the most important due to its broad historical span and rich content.

The ceramics produced at the Jingxing Kiln feature a diverse range of glaze colors, decorations, and varieties. Glazes primarily include white, along with black, temmoku, yellow, blue-and-white, and tri-color glazes. Major product types are plates and bowls, along with over 20 other varieties such as porcelain pillows and jars. Decorative techniques mainly consist of incised carving, relief carving, stamping, and openwork. Twelve stamped molds unearthed from the Jingxing Kiln demonstrate the exquisite artistry of Jin Dynasty stamping, with richly varied patterns and techniques.

The excavation of the Jingxing Kiln Ruins fills a gap in the distribution of northern Chinese ceramics and provides new historical data regarding the formation and development of white porcelain, as well as the relationship between kilns in Hebei and Shanxi. It holds considerable importance in the history of ceramic development in northern China and possesses dual value for both historical research and artistic appreciation.

Jingxing County is located in the westernmost part of Hebei Province, at the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains. Its geographical coordinates are between 113° and 114°18′ east longitude, and 37°42′ and 38°13′ north latitude. To the east and southeast, it borders Luquan City, Yuanshi County, and Zanhuang County, while to the west and southwest, it neighbors Yu County, Pingding County, and Xiyang County in Shanxi Province. To the north, it adjoins Pingshan County.

Jingxing County covers a total area of 1,381 square kilometers and has a population of 320,000. It administers 10 towns and 7 townships: Weishui Town, Shang’an Town, Tianchang Town, Xiulin Town, Nanyu Town, Weizhou Town, Xiaozuo Town, Nan-zhangcheng Town, Cangyanshan Town, Ce’yü Town, Wujiayao Township, Beizheng Township, Yujia Township, Sunzhuang Township, Nankeng Township, Xinzhua Township, and Nanwangzhuang Township.

Jingxing is one of the few counties in Hebei and even nationwide rich in non-metallic resources. A total of 49 mineral types have been identified, with 32 available for mining and utilization. Among these, the “four stones” (limestone, dolomite, silica stone, granite marble), “one earth” (ceramic clay), and “one water” (mineral water) are known for their superior quality and large reserves.

Jingxing boasts numerous scenic spots and historic sites. Highlights include the 4A-level national key scenic spot Cangyanshan Mountain, the national-level folk culture village Yujia Stone Village, and the Xiantai area with its 40-square-kilometer widespread red maple leaves, rivaling Beijing’s Fragrant Hills. The ancient Qin Dynasty post road is currently under application for UNESCO World Heritage status and has become a focal point of global attention. Other attractions include the Jinhua Temple, the Backwater Ancient Battlefield, the Songhua Ancient City, the Thousand-Buddha Rock Carvings, and Guayun Mountain, known as “Little Mount Tai.”

Address: Jingxing Mining District, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units