You’re invited to join our excursion to an imperial tile factory near the Ming Tombs, one of the last in Beijing.  See the kilns where these colorful yellow, green and turquoise root ornaments were produced for the 13 Ming emperors’ tombs, the Temple of Heaven, and other imperial structures. We’ll learn about the art of the imperial tiles, or liuliwa, and bricks, then stroll through a rural village to see them in current use at an empress’s grave and the wall of the last Ming Emperor’s tomb. The tour includes a 15-dish village lunch. And a chance to buy tiles as mementoes at the tile factory’s courtyard, packed with stacks of animal-shaped roof finials and architectural adornments.  The kilns are no longer in use , due to Beijing’s ban on coal- and wood-burning implements. However the site and its little-known showroom remain intact, like a living museum waiting for our visit.

WHAT: Imperial Tile Factory excursion, north of Beijing City in Changping

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 13, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM approx., depending on traffic

HOW MUCH: RASBJ members RMB 200, non-members RMB 260 (includes transport, audiophone rental, and lunch)

TRANSPORT: The bus leaves from the parking lot of the Hilton Hotel, east 3rd Ring Road, near Liangmaqiao subway stop, at 09:00 AM.

RSVP: email [email protected] and write “Imperial Tile” in the subject header, with attendees’ names and cell numbers. NOTE: Attendees will be limited; RASBJ members have priority