The Southern Song Guan Kiln Museum is built on the excavated remains of the Jiaotanxia kiln site, one of two known official ("Guan") kiln complexes established by the Southern Song imperial court after it relocated its capital to Hangzhou (then Lin'an) in 1127, preserving in situ kiln ruins, ash pits, and ceramic shard deposits dating to the 12th-13th centuries. Guan ware produced at this kiln was reserved exclusively for imperial court use, characterized by a thick, crackled celadon glaze and a thin, iron-rich clay body that gives foot rims a distinctive dark color, considered among the finest ceramics of the Southern Song period. Permanent exhibits display excavated Guan ware bowls, vases and dishes alongside kiln furniture such as saggars and firing supports, presented within a purpose-built structure erected directly over the archaeological dig, allowing visitors to view the original kiln foundations and waste pits below glass walkways. The curatorial approach combines an in-situ archaeological site with a conventional gallery of excavated ceramics, tracing the technical evolution of Guan glaze and firing technique across the kiln's operational period.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, closed Mondays except national holidays |
| Address | 60 Nanfu Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China |
Why it matters
The Jiaotanxia site is one of only two confirmed official kiln complexes established by the Southern Song imperial court, making it central evidence for how the court's ceramic standards were produced after the capital moved to Hangzhou in 1127.
Location
60 Nanfu Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China
30.2338, 120.1651 View on map
Highlights
- In-situ excavated remains of the Jiaotanxia imperial Guan kiln, active in the 12th-13th centuries
- Original ash pits and ceramic shard deposits viewable via glass walkways
- Excavated Guan ware bowls, vases and dishes with a characteristic crackled celadon glaze
- Kiln furniture including saggars and firing supports used by Song-dynasty potters
- One of only two confirmed official Southern Song kiln sites
Tips for visiting
- Look closely at the glass-walkway sections to see the original kiln foundations beneath the museum floor
- The ceramics gallery is small, so a visit pairs well with nearby Hefang Street or West Lake sights
- Photography without flash is generally permitted in the main gallery
- Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience given the museum's limited gallery space
- Closed Mondays except during national holidays, so check ahead
Frequently asked questions
Is the museum English-friendly?
Key exhibit panels include English translations covering the kiln's history and Guan ware characteristics.
How long does a full visit take?
A full visit through the site and gallery takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
Can children visit?
Yes, though the ceramics-focused exhibits may appeal more to older children and adults.