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 degree of plasticity, making it ideal for firing red bricks. The establishment of brick kilns began during the Qing Dynasty, and most of the kilns were located in this area, earning it the nickname "Brick Kiln Nest." During the Japanese rule, the demand for bricks surged, marking the peak of brick production in the region. However, with technological advancements, brick manufacturing techniques improved, and cement gradually replaced bricks, leading to the decline and abandonment of many brick kilns. The Yilan Brick Kiln is now one of the best-preserved brick kiln relics and a century-old site in Yilan County. The Yilan Brick Kiln consists of 13 brick kilns made of red bricks, which are arranged in a formation resembling the Chinese character for "eye," hence locally referred to as "Mu Zi Kiln." The eaves of the kilns feature drainage holes shaped like bird heads, serving a dual purpose of draining rainwater and facilitating the brick-firing process. At the end of the kilns, there stands a towering chimney that reaches 37 meters in height, which has stood the test of time through various natural disasters, testament to its resilience. Visitors to the Yilan Brick Kiln can not only view the tools used for brick-making and the kilns themselves but also find historical information plaques and local art and cultural studios nearby, allowing one to reminisce about the glorious history of brick production in the past.
