One of China's seven ancient capitals, Hangzhou was the political center of the Wuyue Kingdom (907-978) and the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

Retreating from invading troops of the Jin State, the Song Dynasty's imperial court under the rule of the timid Emperor Gaozong (1107-1187) fled and moved its capital south from Kaifeng - then known as Bianliang - to Hangzhou - then called Lin'an - ushering in the Southern Song Dynasty, which left its distinctive imprint on Hangzhou.

Its historical heritage from the Southern Song Dynasty includes the Imperial Kiln Museum, the Octagonal Diagram Field, the historical remains of the dynastic palace, Qinghefang Historic Street and the theme park Song Dynasty Town.

Imperial Kiln Museum

Located at 42 Shijiashan Hill, Nanfu Road, the Imperial Kiln Museum is free of charge for visitors.

Driven by the surging demand for pottery and porcelain in the newly established capital, Hangzhou's hills became a porcelain production center.

The kilns boasted a range of cutting-edge production facilities and techniques. The majority of the production was devoted to meeting the needs of emperors and imperial courts.

Tucked away at the western foot of Wugui (Turtle) Hill, the Imperial Kiln Museum is built on the ruins of one of the original kiln sites, with two display rooms encompassing excavations and remnants of history.

As a showcase for the ancient production sites, the museum houses a collection of porcelain that stands as testament to the history of porcelain and of the Southern Song Dynasty in Hangzhou.

Visitors to the museum can also make their own ceramic creations by painting tiles in the on-site workshop for a small fee.

The workshop is open every day of the week, although the kilns are only fired up twice a month. Explanations in English accompany a vast array of well-preserved imperial relics alongside everyday items that have been unearthed and painstakingly pieced back together.