Linqing tribute bricks (Gong bricks) are traditional Chinese handcrafts in Shandong Province. During the Ming and Qing (1368-1911) dynasties, there were hundreds of brick kilns along the Weihe and Huitong Rivers in Linqing. Millions of tribute bricks were burned here because of the soil and ease of transportation to the capital city, Beijing.
The brick-burning process continued for more than 500 years after the end of the Qing Dynasty. Linqing tribute bricks are used throughout China in historical buildings such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Imperial Palace.
Today, Linqing tribute brick-making technology is announced as a national cultural heritage. CGTN' Sim Sim Wissgott and Vlogger Robert Adolf are on the scene to watch the making process firsthand.