CHENGDU, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Operation resumed in one of China's oldest kiln sites in the southwestern province of Sichuan on Monday.

Fire was ignited in a newly built kiln at the Qiongyao Kilns, built more than 1,000 years ago in Qionglai, Sichuan. The Qiongyao Kilns consist of a cluster of smaller kilns where ceramic products were made.

The Qiongyao Kilns started operation during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589). They thrived in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) but waned in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The site is located on the Chengdu Plain and is under national protection.

The new kiln was built thanks to the joint efforts of more than 30 ceramic craftspeople from China, the United States, and the Republic of Korea. It took ten days to build.

A series of activities will be held at the site following the building of the new kiln.

An industrial park will be built near the site to protect relics, pass on culture, and develop related cultural industries.