Yixing｜Great for Shopping, Come Quickly

When it comes to Yixing, many people immediately think of Yixing clay teapots. If you want to learn about Yixing clay teapots and related culture, or even experience making one yourself, you must visit Dingshu Town in Yixing. There are two main places to go here: one is Shushan Ancient South Street; the other is the Second Pottery Factory, which are only about 200 meters apart. ⚠️ Why say don’t come lightly? Because there are so many small items, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and hard to keep moving, plus you might impulsively spend money and place orders. 📌 Shushan Ancient South Street This area was the core of Yixing clay pottery production and trade during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is named after the Shushan Mountain behind it, which made it convenient to source clay; in front is the Li River, which facilitated transportation. The existing old street stretches for a kilometer and includes the former residences of masters like Gu Jingzhou and 34 historical buildings such as the Yixing Clay Potters’ Guild. Walking here, you can feel the comfortable and leisurely lifestyle of Jiangnan. 📌 Second Pottery Factory Originally established in the 1980s as the Second Yixing Clay Factory, it has now been transformed into a comprehensive cultural and commercial street integrating cultural creativity, art exhibitions, and lifestyle experiences. The UCCA Tao Art Museum, designed by Kengo Kuma, is rich in Yixing clay elements and full of detailed design, making it a popular spot for social media check-ins. 🛍️ Shopping Tips You can find some unique shops in both places. Nowadays, these are run by various “curators” of Yixing clay, bringing creative Yixing clay works where you can find great items. Shushan Ancient South Street’s shops are generally smaller and prices are relatively lower, making it easier to learn about Yixing clay knowledge and culture. The Second Pottery Factory is a newly developed area with better planning, larger shops, and a wider variety of products. It also has more restaurants and coffee shops. ⚠️ So it’s recommended to visit Shushan Ancient South Street first. If you see something you like, you can buy it first, but don’t be too impulsive.