Hold hands and turn clay into unique works of art

▲ The museum preserves many traditional kiln equipment, exuding a strong old-time charm.

Reported and photographed by Chen Ruizhong, New Taipei City

Thanks to its convenient transportation and abundant raw materials, Yingge has been an important ceramic hub in Taiwan since early times. Its inseparable relationship with ceramics has filled Yingge with humanistic stories. Many people’s first impression of Yingge is associated with ceramics; visitors to Yingge Old Street often admire various exquisite ceramic works or purchase a few pieces to take home.

However, many do not know that visitors to Yingge can not only appreciate ceramics but also personally operate pottery wheels and decorate traditional rice bowls to create unique ceramic artworks of their own.

▲ Unique hand-building DIY activities also attract many foreign visitors to experience firsthand. (Photo provided by Xu Xinwang Ceramic Memorial Museum)

Located within Yingge Old StreetXinwang Ji Porcelain Sightseeing Factoryis a long-established ceramic factory in Yingge. Since its founding by the first generation, it has successively developed various ceramic products such as roof tiles, household items, and tiles. After the fourth generation took over, they are committed to preserving the 80-year history and Yingge culture, while also aiming to inject more vitality and energy into ceramics. Thus, in the name of the second generation, they established the “Xu Xinwang Ceramic Memorial Museum” and developed a sightseeing factory themed around ceramics.

▲ Entering the museum is like stepping into a time tunnel of Yingge’s ceramic culture.

Inside the museum, visitors can not only learn about the development history of Yingge’s ceramic industry but also see various traditional pottery tools. The sightseeing factory also features a large DIY experience classroom where visitors can mold clay into heartfelt, unique creations.

▲ Making pottery on the wheel requires knowing how to apply the right force to create beautiful and durable vessels.

According to Xinwang Ji Porcelain, the Xu Xinwang Ceramic Memorial Museum houses many precious photos and historical materials, allowing visitors to Yingge—aside from strolling through the old street and tasting local cuisine—to personally step into a time tunnel of Yingge, experience the atmosphere of early kilns, and continue to pass on the stories of Yingge.

▲ With a bit of personal creativity, every traditional bowl becomes a unique piece. (Photo provided by Xu Xinwang Ceramic Memorial Museum)

Additionally, the most popular DIY experiences include:My Traditional Bowl, Ceramic Painted Cup, Pottery Wheel, and Hand-Sculpted Potterycourses. According to instructors on-site, seemingly simple pottery wheel and ceramic art actually require care and skill to master. These activities are suitable not only for children to develop coordination but also for couples in love to enjoy a romantic experience akin to *Ghost*, with handmade pottery holding even sweeter commemorative value.

▲ Creating ceramic nameplates with the handprints and footprints of newborn babies holds special meaning.

Xinwang Ji Porcelain also suggests that, as the museum is located on the most representative Yingge Old Street, visitors might plan for a 1.5-hour DIY experience, then combine it with nearby specialty snacks and attractions to create a relaxing and educational one-day trip to Yingge, which will surely deepen their appreciation and connection to Yingge’s ceramic culture.

%The artistic value of these ceramic creations is profound and meaningful.