Chinese Ancient Brick and Tile Museum, A Timeless Journey Through China's Ceramic Artistry

Jinxixi Ancient Town Scenic Area, Dingjialong, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

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Introduction

Jinxi is a village in Kunshan with a tradition of brick-making and kiln-firing since the Western Jin Dynasty. In the early 1980s, the Kunshan Dadaong Brick and Tile Factory established an exhibition hall for antique bricks and tiles, with over 800 exhibits that drew attention from domestic and international experts and scholars. After relocating and expanding in 1996, the exhibition hall was renamed the Chinese Antique Brick and Tile Museum, becoming the only museum in China dedicated to brick and tile. Today, the museum has moved to a new site in Dingzhai and houses over 1,000 precious bricks and tiles with artistic and historical value, showcasing the history and culture of China from over five thousand years. Exhibits range from the 'burnt-red clay' on the walls of half-cave houses in the Neolithic Age to different types of tiles from the Ming, Qing, Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and Republic periods. The museum has a variety of roofing tiles, palm-sized window tiles, and gold-bricks that have been baked for over a hundred days and soaked in tung oil. These tiles and bricks not only come in different shapes but also feature a range of patterns, including the double dragons chasing the pearl, phoenixes piercing the peonies, and carp leaping over the dragon gate, as well as various characters and auspicious texts. Each exhibit showcases the brilliance of craftsmanship and artistry.

Address

Jinxixi Ancient Town Scenic Area, Dingjialong, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

Opening hours

08:00-17:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)

Transportation

Take bus line 296 in Jinxi District and get off at the New Square Station of the tourist company.

Phone 0512-57238096