On March 1, 2025, the historic Nanfeng Ancient Kiln in Foshan (佛山), Guangdong, roared back to life as part of the annual "Dragon Raises Its Head" festival. The event, deeply rooted in Lingnan folk traditions, saw the lighting of the legendary dragon kiln, marking the beginning of a vibrant cultural celebration that seamlessly blended heritage with contemporary creativity.
Held in the Meitao Bay Cultural and Creative Industry Cluster, the festivities encapsulated the auspicious theme of "Great Prosperity"(大红大紫). The day unfolded with kiln-opening ceremonies, immersive historical reenactments, bustling marketplaces, and engaging folk performances, offering an all-encompassing journey from morning to night. By integrating art, craftsmanship, and local customs, the event reinforced Meitao Bay's role as a dynamic cultural hub, bridging the past with the future.
Igniting the Dragon Kiln
As the grand kiln-opening ceremony commenced, artisans and visitors gathered at Nanfeng Ancient Kiln Square to witness a spectacle that has endured for over five centuries. The kiln door slowly opened, releasing waves of heat and revealing the carefully crafted ceramic pieces within—each a product of time, fire, and meticulous skill. The unveiling of these kiln treasures symbolized good fortune, prosperity, and new beginnings for the year ahead.
Renowned ceramic artists, including Pan Bolin and Feng Weimin, orchestrated a special wood-firing session under the theme "Great Prosperity." Thousands of handcrafted ceramic works, imbued with the unpredictable beauty of wood-fired glazing, were unveiled for sale both at the site's bustling kiln-fired marketplace and via live-streaming platforms. Visitors were also invited to add firewood to the kiln—an act believed to bring success in career and life, whether in the form of promotions, financial gains, or personal growth.
Beyond the dragon kiln, the Qihou Ceramic Warehouse's smaller wood-fired kiln also opened, hosting an eclectic "Gathering of Objects" market. Artisans and creatives showcased handcrafted wares, from candle-making and bamboo weaving to cloisonné jewelry and miniature landscapes. Interactive experiences such as clay modeling, tea tastings, and poetry readings added to the artistic atmosphere, creating a multisensory celebration of tradition and innovation.
The Dragon's Journey Across Foshan
As night fell, the festival reached its crescendo with a spectacular torch-lit procession. Fire-bearers carried the sacred kiln fire from Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, parading through key historical landmarks, including Gaomiao Road, Yuejin Road, and the storied Shiwang Brewery. Along the route, vibrant performances of traditional dragon and lion dances, cultural showcases, and immersive installations brought the past to life, infusing the streets of Foshan with an air of festivity and nostalgia.
At the heart of the celebration was the iconic Zhuzi Street (朱紫街), a historic commercial and cultural hub dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Once teeming with craftsmen, merchants, and scholars, Zhuzi Street has long been synonymous with prosperity and cultural vibrancy. This year's "Zhuzi Street Revival" event reimagined the golden age of Lingnan street life, featuring heritage-themed experiences such as "Touching the Nine Sons" (a symbolic act of invoking blessings), "Worshipping Lucky Stars," and interactive games that revived the essence of traditional fortune-seeking rituals.
A key highlight was the reopening of "Lejiusi" (乐酒肆) and "Mazige" (孖仔阁)—two historic venues that seamlessly blend gastronomy with cultural storytelling. These spaces now serve as platforms for showcasing local delicacies, artisanal crafts, and the city's famed brewing heritage. In an effort to promote Foshan's unique cultural legacy, Shiwang Brewery launched a special-edition jade ice liquor in collaboration with the Palace Museum, adding another layer of historical significance to the celebrations.
A Fiery Tradition
The Dragon Kiln Festival is more than just a reenactment of ancient traditions—it is a testament to Foshan's enduring spirit of craftsmanship, resilience, and reinvention. Experts like Yu Wanshao, a leading folklorist, emphasize the historical importance of Zhuzi Street, tracing its origins back to the Song Dynasty. The 19th century saw its transformation into a bustling trade and social hub, where workers started their day with morning tea at Taiyuan Tea House, worked in the local ceramic and brewing industries, and ended their evenings at Taiping Night Porridge—a way of life known as the "Three Great Joys" (三太文化).
With the revitalization of Zhuzi Street and the rekindling of the dragon kiln's fire, Foshan is not merely preserving its heritage—it is redefining it for future generations. By merging cultural traditions with modern innovation, the city is ensuring that its legacy continues to shine brightly, much like the flames of the dragon kiln that have burned for centuries.
As the embers settle and the festival comes to a close, one thing remains certain: the dragon has raised its head, and Foshan's cultural renaissance is only just beginning.
