Yilan Brick Kiln Introduction
Yilan Brick Kiln, also known as Jinmei Brick Kiln, is located in the Beijin and Meizhou areas of Yilan, where the soil has a high viscosity, making it suitable for firing red bricks. Brick kilns were established here during the Qing Dynasty, and most of the kilns were located in this area, earning it the nickname "Brick Kiln Nest." During the Japanese colonial period, the demand for bricks surged, making it a prosperous era for brick production. However, with advancements in technology and improved brick-making methods, concrete gradually replaced bricks, leading to the decline and abandonment of brick kilns. Yilan Brick Kiln has become the best-preserved brick kiln heritage site and is one of the century-old monuments in Yilan County. The Yilan Brick Kiln consists of 13 brick kilns made of red bricks, arranged in a row that resembles the Chinese character "目" (eye), and is also referred to by locals as "Muzi Kiln." The eaves have birdhead-shaped drainage holes, serving the dual purpose of draining rainwater and firing bricks. At the end of the brick kiln stands a gigantic chimney that is 37 meters tall, which has withstood numerous natural disasters over the years, remaining steadfast. Visiting Yilan Brick Kiln not only allows you to see the tools once used for brick-making and the kilns themselves, but there are also informational panels about the history of the kilns and folk art studios nearby, inviting visitors to reminisce about the glorious history of brick kilns.
