Located southwest of New Taipei City, Yingge (鶯歌), which means “Warbler Song” in Chinese, takes its name from a stone shaped like a warbler on the outskirts of the town. Known as “Taiwan’s Jingdezhen (景德鎮),” this charming town proudly stands as the ceramic capital of Taiwan. It boasts a vast collection of ceramic factories, shops, and artistic wonders.
For more interesting photos of the unique ceramic capital of Taiwan, please watch the following video.
Covering an area of 18.3 square kilometers (7.1 square miles), this small town is a must-visit destination for those interested in the art and craftsmanship of ceramics, DIY pottery experiences, traditional industry, or local artisan goods.
From the quaint Yingge Old Street (鶯歌老街) to the captivating Yingge Ceramics Museum (鶯歌陶瓷博物館), visitors can be immersed in the rich heritage and beauty of this ceramic-centric town.
Yingge Old Street
At the heart of Yingge lies the famous Yingge Old Street, affectionately known as Yingge Ceramics Street. Strolling through this vibrant granite-paved street, visitors are exposed to everything from mass-produced Chinese ceramics to one-of-a-kind locally crafted masterpieces in a mesmerizing array of boutiques and ceramics galleries.
With around a hundred shops, the old street is a haven for ceramics enthusiasts, art lovers, and curious tourists. Visitors can watch skilled artisans create intricate ceramic pieces and glimpse the traditional techniques and craftsmanship that have made the town famous.
One of the highlights of the old street is that visitors can walk into a well-preserved tunnel built in the 1960s. It was a car-push kiln with preheating, firing, and cooling zones. The red bricks on the walls could withstand firing temperatures of 1000°C.
The Yingge Spot Aesthetics Hall (鶯歌光點美學館) is a striking three-story building on Yingge Old Street. It looks like a museum, but it is a large shopping mall with an area of 5,000 square meters (53,819 square feet). A wide range of ceramics, handicrafts, wood carvings, jades, crystals, glass, glazes, tea handicrafts, copper carvings, lacquerware, and more is on display.
Ceramics Museum
The Yingge Ceramics Museum is the first professional museum in Taiwan dedicated to ceramics. Built with exposed concrete and steel structures, this striking three-story steel-framed glass building is a landmark of rustic beauty.
The museum’s construction was first proposed in 1988 and opened to the public in 2000. Creating the museum was a strategic move to revitalize the town and promote tourism. It is a testament to this fascinating town’s commitment to preserving and promoting its rich heritage.
With a collection of more than 3,500 ceramic artworks, the museum’s exhibits showcase a wide range of ceramic applications and take visitors on a fascinating journey through the world of ceramics. In addition to special and permanent exhibitions, the museum also offers DIY craft courses where visitors can experience the fun of making art.
The museum comprehensively explores ceramics ‘ versatility and artistic expression, from aesthetically designed vases to beautifully crafted teapots and ornate plates. Each exhibit tells a unique story, highlighting the historical significance and cultural influences shaping the town’s ceramic traditions.
The winning works of the 2023 Taiwan Ceramics Award, including the Creative Award, the Functional Award, the Emerging Award, and the Excellence Award, are on display from November 3, 2023 to April 21, 2024, in the special exhibition room on the third floor of the museum, with a total of 121 sets of works.
The Ceramics Park
Just behind the museum is the Ceramics Park (陶瓷藝術園區), which consists of the Wind Channel, Water Plaza, Earth Passage, and Fire Plaza. Covering an area of 12 hectares (29.7 acres), the park is a space that exemplifies a balanced relationship between art, environment, and people. Visitors can see some unique ancient kilns, including the Hoffman Kiln, Dome Kiln, Anagama Kiln, and Square Kiln, as well as the eye-catching Crescent Plaza and other interesting installations.
As a result, whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a unique experience, a visit to this unique town promises to be a truly memorable adventure into the world of ceramics.
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