Dingshan is a small community in Yixing County, China. This is where much of the region’s famous pottery is created and displayed; a fact which has begun to draw tourists in greater numbers.
The most popular product made in Dingshan is the Yixing teapot, a round, squat pot that is used for tea ceremonies across the continent. These teapots, which are typically brown, are said to enhance the flavor of the tea through a natural process between fired clay and hot water.
Another defining characteristic of Dingshan is its ceramic tiled roofs. These are displayed on ornamental displays and temple rooftops around town. Those who have had enough with the ceramic industry can visit waterfalls and caves in the Dingshan countryside.
Getting There & Away
Dingshan is only accessible by road from the surrounding area, and most tourists simply visit on a daytrip from Suzhou, an important regional city with plenty of transportation options. Buses can also be chartered for Shanghai (3 hours), where the international airport operates flights to cities throughout the world.
Things to Do
Dingshan Attractions
- Ceramics Museum
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This prominent collection focuses on yixing teapots and explores the evolution of yixing pottery over the past 6,000 years.
Side trips from Dingshan
- Linggu Caves
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The highlight of these caverns (about 30 minutes outside of dingshan town) is an underground waterfall.