Molding Clay into Art: A Therapeutic Journey at Copper Kiln Ancient Town

Feel the warmth of clay on your fingertips, a gentle continuation of millennia-old kiln fire. As dawn breaks and mist rises from the Xiang River, open the window of Huiyu Hotel to see the Tang-style eaves of Copper Kiln Ancient Town sketching the skyline. This "living fossil of ceramics," born from a thousand-year-old kiln and built with a billion-dollar investment, invites you to embark on a transformative journey from raw clay to exquisite pottery. Clay Crafting: A Hands-on Legacy of Ancient Kiln Fire Step into the Copper Kiln National Archaeological Park and touch the marks of civilization left by flowing glazes 1,200 years ago. Under the guidance of professional pottery masters, immerse your hands in moist clay and feel the rhythm of the potter's wheel. From the ancient "coil building" technique to the precise control of shaping on the wheel, a humble lump of clay gradually transforms into the prototype of a vessel in your hands. Children's laughter echoes in the pottery workshop as families collaborate to mold clay pots, engrave surnames or totems, and have them fired in the kiln before being mailed home. This unique "memory of the earth" is far more precious than mass-produced souvenirs. Nighttime Wonders: The Enchanting Light and Shadow of the Ancient Town As dusk falls on the cobblestone streets, Copper Kiln Ancient Town truly comes alive. Stay overnight at Huiyu Hotel and witness two must-see spectacles: Iron Flower Show: Molten iron at 1,600°C splashes into the night sky, creating a golden tree of shooting stars—a breathtaking 10-minute intangible cultural heritage performance reminiscent of ancient myths. Copper Kiln Water Show: Lasers pierce through a thousand-meter water curtain, while fireworks and musical fountains dance together, reviving the "Tang Dynasty Night City" along the Xiang River. Stroll along the river with lanterns swaying in the breeze, carrying a handmade ceramic lamp. Around the corner, you might encounter street performers staging impromptu shadow puppet shows—at this moment, you become part of a thousand-year-old painting. Travel Tips: Highlights of Staying at Huiyu Hotel Exclusive Shuttle Service: Hop on the Copper Kiln tourist bus right at the hotel entrance for a 30-minute ride to Jinpenqiu Station on Metro Line 1, seamlessly connecting you to downtown Changsha. Museum Exploration: Enjoy in-depth tours of eight themed museums, showcasing the intricate details of Xiang embroidery and the luminous secrets of Changsha kiln celadon, quietly narrating the craftsmanship of Hunan. Old Street Food Guide: A 10-minute walk to Copper Kiln Old Street leads you to the popular "Yang's Little Flower Pastry" under ancient camphor trees and red walls. Sip a cup of cultural tourism coffee in a courtyard built with ceramic shards, where time's secrets are etched into the walls. Living in Poetry and Art: The Oriental Aesthetics of Huiyu Hotel Wake up to views of pagodas and the sound of the river. Copper Kiln incorporates pottery elements into every corner—clay-colored walls, glaze-patterned tea sets, and handmade ceramic ornaments, exuding serene Oriental elegance. In the morning, try plant-based dyeing or practice calligraphy at Shanjuan Academy, letting your heart sink into slow-paced tranquility. Before checking out, don't forget to take home a special "ceramic clay incense"—a blend of kiln soil and mugwort fragrance, capturing the essence of this land. Your suitcase for the return journey will be filled with handmade ceramic cups, wood-fired tea bowls from the old street, and unedited videos of the mesmerizing night lights.