Hunan Iron Wok

Hunan Iron Wok

　　Iron woks produced in Hunan have long been known domestically as "Southern Woks." Among them, those from Yiyang rank foremost.

　　The iron wok manufacturing industry in Yiyang dates back to before the Ming Dynasty and has a history of over 600 years. Historical records indicate that during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the great-grandfather of Ning Zibin from Anhua operated four wok factories each in Anhua and Yiyang, with a total of 48 furnaces, enjoying great prosperity. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the "Lisheng" Wok Factory at Sanliqiao in Yiyang had eight furnaces and employed over 140 workers. By the Daoguang period, production in Yiyang’s wok industry became even more refined. In addition to "Southern Woks," other types such as "Zhang Woks" and "Lian Woks" were sold to provinces including Hubei, Jiangxi, Anhui, Henan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Taiwan. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, wok factories developed rapidly, with production soaring. Currently, the annual output has reached over one million pieces, accounting for more than one-sixth of the province’s total iron wok production.

　　Yiyang iron woks have long been known for their premium quality and are sold across the nation as well as in Hong Kong and Macau markets. Their advantages include thin walls, fast heat conduction, no leaking or seepage when holding water, resistance to cracking or shattering under rapid temperature changes, smooth tactile feel, a silver-gray color, and consistent hue. Hunan Iron Woks have won top awards in national evaluations multiple times and received a National Silver Award in 1985.

　　　The iron wok manufacturing industry in Yiyang, Hunan, began in the Song Dynasty and has a history of over 800 years. Yiyang-produced iron woks have long been known nationwide as "Southern Woks," also referred to as "Guang Woks." They were sold across the country 150 years ago and later spread to Taiwan, hence the term "Yiyang Goods." Yiyang iron woks feature uniform specifications, even thickness, smooth luster, well-balanced iron composition, and durability without cracking even after prolonged use—qualities that have ensured their lasting popularity for centuries.

　　 　　Today, iron wok production in Yiyang has seen new advancements, and the city has become a major hub for iron wok manufacturing in China. The Xiangzhong Wok Factory in Yiyang City is a nationally renowned producer, manufacturing 1.2 million pieces annually, totaling over 5,000 tons, with over 50 varieties and specifications. Its products sell well both domestically and internationally, accounting for 75% of China’s iron wok exports and 30% of the domestic market. The factory’s "Xiangzhong Brand" iron woks have won the National Silver Quality Award twice. On the foundation of being lightweight, thin, aesthetically pleasing, crack-resistant, and health-beneficial, traditional Yiyang iron woks have added features such as oxidation resistance, fast heat conduction, and easy cleaning. Their lifespan is four to five times longer than that of ordinary iron woks, making them an innovative new type of iron wok pioneered domestically. They have received multiple provincial and ministerial-level quality product awards as well as gold medals at expos.