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Participants attend the opening ceremony of the Shangyu celadon kiln. [Photo/Tide News]

The Shangyu celadon kiln opening ceremony was held on Nov 30 at the Porcelain Heritage Town in Shaoxing's Shangyu district, gathering scholars and experts from China and overseas to discuss the legacy and renewal of this millennium-old Yue ceramic ware.

A national ceramics symposium was also held on Nov 29, where researchers shared studies on the history and protection of Yue celadon and offered academic support for future innovation. Participants said the long-running craft continues to inspire new approaches to conservation and creative industry development.

Two craftspeople work to open a celadon kiln during a firing session at Shangyu's Porcelain Heritage Town. [Photo/Tide News]

According to Zheng Jianhua, deputy director of the Zhejiang Provincial Bureau of Cultural Relics, Yue celadon made in Shangyu has maintained a balance of preservation and innovation. Zheng said the craft has its roots in traditional firing techniques and cultural heritage, while drawing on modern technology to bring celadon from archaeological samples into contemporary daily life, turning a regional product into a cultural symbol.

Shangyu has made steady progress in recent years in conserving and revitalizing celadon culture, with its Jinshan kiln site being named one of China's top 10 archaeological discoveries. Two of the district's major kiln sites have been added to China's tentative UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list, with the Porcelain Heritage Town emerging as a hub that integrates creation, exhibition, and visitor experiences.

The Shangyu Celadon Modern International Ceramic Art Center has also attracted more than 120 artists from 22 countries and regions, supporting a cycle that links protection, innovation, and industry growth. This year, the district's celadon-related industries are expected to exceed 500 million yuan ($70.7 million).

Local authorities have said Shangyu will continue to promote cultural innovation so that these ancient kilns can shine brighter in the new era.

Celadon artworks on display during the kiln's opening event. [Photo/Tide News]