CHINA EXPERIENCE
In Jingdezhen, East China’s Jiangxi province, you don't just see porcelain — you experience its entire porcelain-making process. Wander through ancient mining pits where kaolin clay was once extracted, follow the waterways that carried the raw materials to the kilns, and visit studios where artisans still shape clay by hand. This is history you can touch and feel.
For more than 1,000 years, Jingdezhen has been the heart of porcelain making. In July 2026, the Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry Sites were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, honoring its legacy as China's porcelain capital. But the real magic isn't just in the title — it's in the bustling studios, the fiery kilns, and the skilled artisans who keep this craft alive.
Join us on a four-day journey through Jingdezhen, where you'll not only see history but become part of its living tradition.
Who it’s for:
Ideal for: History buffs, artisans, and cultural explorers seeking an immersive journey into the world of porcelain.
Not for: Those looking for cosmopolitan attractions or high-speed urban adventures.
Best time to go
Plan your visit from March to May or September to November, when mild temperatures make it perfect for exploring porcelain workshops, ancient kiln sites, and the surrounding hilly landscapes.
Know before you go
•Wear comfortable walking shoes — you’ll be exploring uneven kiln sites and historical lanes, often covering long distances on foot.
•Reserve tickets for popular museums in advance.
•Consider joining a guided tour or using an audio guide at museums to better understand the stories behind the ceramics.
Your four-day porcelain journey
Day 1: Explore the millennia-old history of official and imperial kilns
Morning: Jingdezhen China Ceramics Museum
Duration: Two to three hours
Admission: Free (reservation required)
Highlights: Discover the rich history of Chinese ceramics with stunning exhibits ranging from ancient to modern.
Afternoon: Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District, and Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum
Duration: Three to four hours
Admission: 53 yuan ($7.83)
Highlights: Explore Taoyangli’s ancient lanes and kiln-brick alleys, then visit the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum to admire unearthed imperial porcelain and restored masterpieces.
Evening: Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Block
Duration: Two to three hours
Admission: Free
Highlights: Enjoy art galleries, boutique studios, and cafes. Visit on Friday to Sunday for a bustling weekend market experience.
Day 2: Discover the millennia-old legacy of folk kilns
Morning: Hutian Ancient Ceramic Kiln Site
Duration: One hour
Admission: Free
Highlights: Walk through kiln remains from the Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties (960-1644) at one of China's largest ancient ceramics production sites — where the famed Qingbai (bluish-white) glazed porcelain was perfected.
Afternoon: Sanbao International Ceramic Village
Duration: Flexible
Admission: Free
Highlights: Enjoy a leisurely ride on e-scooters through this vibrant village, filled with ceramic art and workshops.
Day 3: Trace the origins of kaolin clay mines
Morning: Gaoling National Mining Park
Duration: Two to three hours
Admission: 110 yuan for a combo ticket, valid for two days
Highlights: Discover the origins of kaolin clay at the site that gave the clay its name. Explore centuries-old mine pits, ancient stone pathways, and the striking white tailings that earned the nickname "snow on green mountains”.
Afternoon: Dongbu Ancient Wharf
Duration: One and a half hours
Highlights: Visit this historical wharf, once the vital hub for transporting kaolin clay to Jingdezhen, and enjoy the riverside views.
Day 4: Stroll through the creative market
Morning: Letian Market
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm (Saturday only)
Admission: 50 yuan
Highlights: Explore a vibrant market featuring ceramics, handcrafted goods, and works by local artists.
Afternoon: Sculpture Porcelain Factory
Duration: Two to three hours
Admission: Free
Highlights: Witness artisans at work in this repurposed factory district—now a vibrant creative hub — and try your hand at pottery-making in one of its many open studios.
Evening: Taoyang New Village Night Market
Opening hour: 7 pm daily
Highlights: Soak up the lively atmosphere of this night market, where hundreds of ceramic stalls offer affordable souvenirs alongside a wide variety of local snacks.
