Pic story: inheritor of Xing kiln porcelain making technique in China's Hebei

Zhang Zhizhong fixes a ceramic body of a white porcelain work at Xing Klin Culture Exposition Park in Lincheng County, Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province, June 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) 

Xing kiln was one of the renowned kilns during the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907), playing a significant role in the production of white porcelain wares in northern China. The making technique of Xing kiln porcelain was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2014.

Zhang Zhizhong, 62, is an inheritor of the Xing kiln porcelain making technique. Since 1980, he has conducted systematic analysis and research on the artistic forms and craftsmanship of Xing kiln porcelain, and has produced a number of Xing kiln porcelain products. In recent years, to promote the preservation and inheritance of Xing kiln culture, Zhang has dedicated himself in passing down the making technique of Xing kiln porcelain through various means such as teaching students and publising books.

Zhang Zhizhong makes a ceramic body of a white porcelain work at Xing Klin Culture Exposition Park in Lincheng County, Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province, June 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Zhang Zhizhong (C) teaches students about the porcelain making technique at Xing Klin Culture Exposition Park in Lincheng County, Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province, June 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Zhang Zhizhong makes a ceramic body of a white porcelain work at Xing Klin Culture Exposition Park in Lincheng County, Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province, June 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Zhang Zhizhong fixes a ceramic body of a white porcelain work at Xing Klin Culture Exposition Park in Lincheng County, Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province, June 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Zhang Zhizhong (R) and a student record the raw material formula of white porcelain production at Xing Klin Culture Exposition Park in Lincheng County, Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province, June 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 28, 2025 shows Zhang Zhizhong (R) and a student searching for raw materials for porcelain production in Lincheng County, Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)

Zhang Zhizhong makes a ceramic body of a white porcelain work at Xing Klin Culture Exposition Park in Lincheng County, Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province, June 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Mu Yu)