Is Foshan a good place to buy tiles and building materials?

Yes — Foshan is one of China's leading centres for tiles, sanitaryware and finishing materials, with the trade centred on Nanzhuang town. It's a natural second stop on a furniture-buying trip.

What is Foshan famous for in ceramics?

Foshan has been known for its ceramics since the Ming dynasty. The historic kiln district is Shiwan, in Chancheng, where the centuries-old Nanfeng Ancient Kiln still fires today.

Where are Foshan's tile markets?

Mostly in Nanzhuang town, about a 20-minute drive from central Chancheng — home to large markets such as the Ceramics International Trading Center (300,000+ m², around 400 suppliers).

Tiles & interiors · Chancheng / Nanzhuang

Ceramics & building materials

Furniture is only half of an interiors trip. Foshan has been well known for its ceramics since the Ming dynasty, and today it's A leading centre of China's tile and building-materials trade — local guides nickname it the 'Oriental Building Materials Capital' — the place to source tiles, sanitaryware and finishing materials alongside your furniture.

Last verified 15 June 2026

Where to buy tiles & materials

Nanzhuang town is the tile-trading heart — big markets like the Ceramics International Trading Center (300,000+ m², ~400 suppliers), about a 20-minute drive from central Chancheng. Foshan has more than 30 towns each specialised in an industry — among them furniture and ceramics. Foshan-based guides claim the city produces roughly one in three of the world's ceramic tiles.

Sources: Wikipedia · Foshan Page · Foshan.furniture

The heritage behind it

Shiwan, in Chancheng, is the historic kiln district — see the still-firing Nanfeng Ancient Kiln. You can see that living tradition at the Nanfeng Ancient Kiln — a 500-year-old dragon kiln still in use — before heading to the modern markets. Base yourself in Chancheng for the easiest access.

Planning to ship it home? See buying & shipping it home, or browse the Lecong furniture markets for the other half of the trip.

Common questions

Is Foshan a good place to buy tiles and building materials?: Yes — Foshan is one of China's leading centres for tiles, sanitaryware and finishing materials, with the trade centred on Nanzhuang town. It's a natural second stop on a furniture-buying trip.
What is Foshan famous for in ceramics?: Foshan has been known for its ceramics since the Ming dynasty. The historic kiln district is Shiwan, in Chancheng, where the centuries-old Nanfeng Ancient Kiln still fires today.
Where are Foshan's tile markets?: Mostly in Nanzhuang town, about a 20-minute drive from central Chancheng — home to large markets such as the Ceramics International Trading Center (300,000+ m², around 400 suppliers).