Doors to Diplomacy Participants

Kang Chiao International School Hsinchu Campus (2026 CyberFair Project ID 8842)
Taiwan, Hsinchu
Official Status: Final Project: Ready for Judging
Teacher:
Category: 8. Local Music and Art Forms

We estimate 6 student(s) from 11 to 12 will work on this entry.

Description of Our Community: Zhunan Snake Kiln is located in Miaoli County, in the central region of Taiwan. This traditional snake kiln was hand-built around 1972 by the master potter Lin Tyan-fu. In its early years, it served as a vital ceramic production hub in Miaoli, primarily manufacturing daily-use pottery. During the 1980s, in response to shifting market demands, the kiln transitioned toward folk art ceramic creation, laying the foundation for its future cultural direction.The 1990s brought unprecedented survival challenges as cheap, durable, and lightweight materials like plastic and stainless steel became ubiquitous. However, through the persistence and vision of the second-generation leadership, Zhunan Snake Kiln was not only preserved but transformed into a cultural park that integrates tourism, education, and art—giving this ancient kiln a new lease on life.Today, by hosting the International Chawan Festival and showcasing its Guinness World Record, the park has significantly boosted its cultural visibility, promoting Taiwan's unique pottery and kiln culture to the world.

Project Description: This project explores the Zhunan Snake Kiln and its significant contributions to Miaoli and Taiwan through a multifaceted approach, including literature research, video analysis, field studies, DIY workshops, expert interviews, and guided tours. Through an intensive one-day field study, students personally visited the site to understand how traditional kiln-firing techniques integrate with ceramic artistry, tea culture, and art education, fostering a deep connection with local humanities and industries.By hosting the triennial International Chawan Festival, Zhunan Snake Kiln brings together diverse media—such as floral arts, music, crafts, and calligraphy—providing a platform for international dialogue and exchange among ceramic artists. This initiative promotes Taiwan’s tea arts and ceramic culture on a global stage, transforming a once utility-oriented kiln industry into a hub for cultural artistic creation. As the kiln industry regains its brilliance and vitality, it moves steadily toward the goals of sustainable development and cultural preservation, making a profound impact on both Miaoli and the broader Taiwanese society.

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