Art & Culture

Jingdezhen: The Porcelain Capital

For over a thousand years, this Jiangxi city has been the world's most important center of ceramic art - a living museum of fire, clay, and creativity.

Hi, I'm Wang Yue. I'm a ceramic artist who has been working in Jingdezhen for 20 years. I came here as a student and never left. This guide was last updated in July 2026.

7 Days / 6 Nights
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, China
Art Lovers & Creatives
Easy - City Walking
$ - Budget Friendly
Spring & Autumn (March-May, September-November)
Taoxichuan Imperial Kiln Museum Ceramic Workshops Blue-and-White Porcelain Ancient Kiln Sanbao Village

Artist's Note: Jingdezhen has been producing porcelain for the imperial court since the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The city's name is synonymous with fine china in English. Today, it is a thriving hub for contemporary ceramic artists from around the world. The best time to visit is during the Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Fair (October) or the Taoxichuan Spring Art Festival (April). Many workshops are open to visitors - you can throw your own pot for 100-300 RMB per class.

Why This Journey is Extraordinary

1,000 Years of Porcelain

Jingdezhen has been making porcelain for the imperial court for over a millennium. The city's clay, kilns, and techniques are world-renowned

Hands-On Ceramics

You can throw your own pot, paint blue-and-white porcelain, and learn from master artisans in workshops that have been operating for generations

World's Largest Ceramic Museum

The China Ceramic Museum houses over 40,000 pieces spanning 10,000 years of ceramic history - the largest collection of its kind

International Art Scene

Taoxichuan is a former factory turned art district where Chinese and international artists work side by side in a vibrant creative community

Daily Journey Inspiration

1

Taoxichuan: The Art District

Where industrial history meets contemporary creativity

Morning
Arrival & Taoxichuan First Look
Take the high-speed train to Jingdezhen North Station - direct trains from Shanghai (3.5 hours), Hangzhou (2.5 hours), and Nanchang (1.5 hours). The station is 20 minutes from the city center. Check into a hotel near Taoxichuan - the Taoxichuan Kaiping Boutique Hotel or the Jingdezhen Zhongdu Hotel offer rooms from 250-400 RMB. Start your exploration at Taoxichuan, a former state-owned porcelain factory transformed into a trendy art district. The old factory buildings with their iconic brick chimneys now house galleries, studios, cafes, and shops.
Art district vibe: Taoxichuan is the creative heart of modern Jingdezhen. Spend time just wandering through the factory buildings - the architecture is a beautiful blend of industrial heritage and contemporary design.
Afternoon
Taoxichuan Galleries & Studios
Explore the galleries and artist studios in Taoxichuan. The district is home to hundreds of artists, both Chinese and international. Visit the Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Gallery, which showcases cutting-edge contemporary ceramic art. Walk through the studio buildings where you can watch artists at work - throwing, carving, painting, and glazing. The variety of styles is incredible, from traditional blue-and-white to avant-garde sculpture. Many studios welcome visitors and are happy to discuss their work.
Artist interaction: Most artists speak some English and are happy to talk about their work. Buying directly from the studio is often cheaper than gallery prices. A small ceramic piece costs 50-200 RMB.
Evening
Taoxichuan Night Market
As the sun sets, the Taoxichuan Night Market comes alive. The market is held in the central plaza of the art district and features dozens of stalls selling handmade ceramics, jewelry, and art. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with street food vendors, live music, and artists demonstrating their craft. This is the best place to buy affordable, unique pieces directly from the artists. Dinner at the Taoxichuan Food Court features local specialties from Jingdezhen.
2

Imperial Kiln Museum & Ancient Kiln

From imperial kilns to living traditions

Morning
Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum
Visit the stunning Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum, designed by acclaimed architect Studio Zhu Pei. The museum is built directly over the remains of Ming Dynasty imperial kilns, with the architecture incorporating the excavated kiln structures into the building itself. The museum's brick vaults echo the shape of the ancient kilns. The collection includes exquisite porcelain pieces made for the imperial court, including the famous blue-and-white, doucai (contrasting colors), and famille rose wares. Entry is 50 RMB.
Architecture tour: The building itself is a masterpiece. The arched brick galleries are designed to evoke the shape of a dragon kiln. The way the ruins are integrated into the museum is breathtaking. Allow at least 2 hours.
Afternoon
Ancient Kiln & Folk Culture Museum
Walk to the Ancient Kiln & Folk Culture Museum, a living museum where you can see traditional porcelain-making techniques demonstrated by master craftspeople. The centerpiece is a 300-year-old Ming Dynasty dragon kiln, still in use. Watch artisans throw pots, paint blue-and-white patterns, and fire ceramics in the ancient wood-fired kiln. The museum also features traditional Jiangxi architecture, with old buildings relocated from the surrounding countryside. Entry is 60 RMB.
Don't miss: The blue-and-white painting demonstration is mesmerizing. The master painters can paint a perfect pattern freehand in seconds. The wood-fired kiln firings happen periodically - check the schedule with the museum.
Evening
Jingdezhen Local Cuisine
Dine at a local restaurant in the city center. Jingdezhen's cuisine is a subset of Jiangxi cuisine, known for its bold, spicy flavors. Try the signature dishes: jingdezhen stir-fried rice cakes (15 RMB), cold noodles with chili oil (12 RMB), braised pork with tofu (35 RMB), and suzhi tofu (stuffed tofu, 25 RMB). The restaurant Huang Jiao Yu (Yellow Horn Fish) is famous for its spicy fish dishes. A meal costs 50-80 RMB per person.
3

China Ceramic Museum

The world's largest porcelain collection

Morning
China Ceramic Museum
Spend the morning at the China Ceramic Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the world with over 40,000 pieces. The museum's collection spans 10,000 years of Chinese ceramic history, from Neolithic pottery to contemporary masterpieces. The highlights include the Song Dynasty celadon, Ming Dynasty blue-and-white, Qing Dynasty famille rose, and modern works by Jingdezhen's contemporary artists. The museum is organized chronologically, making it easy to trace the evolution of ceramic techniques and styles. Entry is free.
Plan your visit: The museum is huge - you need at least 3-4 hours. Focus on the Ming and Qing dynasty galleries if you are short on time. The contemporary art section on the top floor is excellent. Free guided tours in English are available at 10 AM and 2 PM.
Afternoon
Ceramic Shopping Street
After the museum, explore the ceramic shopping street (Guyao Ceramic Street) near the museum. This street is lined with shops selling everything from mass-produced porcelain to one-of-a-kind art pieces. This is a good place to buy gifts and souvenirs. Prices vary widely - a set of blue-and-white teacups costs 50-200 RMB, while a hand-painted vase can be 500-5,000 RMB. Bargaining is expected in most shops. Start at 50-60% of the asking price.
Quality check: Check for imperfections - chips, cracks, or uneven glaze. The best pieces are sold in proper galleries, while the street shops have more affordable, mass-produced items. For authentic handmade pieces, buy from Taoxichuan studios.
Evening
Jiangxi Dinner
Try a Jiangxi-style dinner at a local restaurant. Jiangxi cuisine is one of China's most underrated culinary traditions. The signature dish is "nursery rice" (wa wa fan) - clay pot rice with cured meat and vegetables. Also try the "lotus root soup" and "steamed fish head with chopped chili." A restaurant like Wawafan Guan on Zhongshan Road serves excellent local food. Dinner costs 40-70 RMB per person.
4

Sanbao Village & Hands-On Ceramics

Making your own porcelain masterpiece

Morning
Sanbao Ceramic Art Village
Drive 30 minutes to Sanbao (Three Treasures) Village, a scenic valley that has become a haven for ceramic artists. The village is home to dozens of international artists who come to Jingdezhen to work with the local clay. Visit the Sanbao Ceramic Art Institute, where you can see artists from around the world working in residence. The Three Kiln Museum is a fascinating exhibit of three different types of traditional kilns. The village is set in a beautiful valley with streams and bamboo groves.
International vibe: Sanbao has a strong international community. You will hear English, French, Japanese, and Korean spoken in the studios. The annual Sanbao International Ceramic Art Workshop (summer) brings artists from 30+ countries.
Afternoon
Ceramic Workshop - Throw Your Own Pot
This is the hands-on experience you came for. Sign up for a ceramic workshop at one of the Sanbao studios or at a Taoxichuan workshop. In a 2-hour class (150-300 RMB), a master potter will teach you to throw a pot on the wheel. The instructor will guide you through centering the clay, opening the form, and pulling up the walls. It is much harder than it looks, but incredibly satisfying when you create something. You can also try hand-building or painting a pre-made piece.
What to expect: Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty. The clay is wet and messy. The instructor will help you salvage mistakes. Your finished piece will be fired and glazed for you - shipping costs extra (50-100 RMB to most countries).
Evening
Sanbao Village Dinner
Have dinner at a restaurant in Sanbao Village. The village restaurants serve simple, farm-to-table Jiangxi cuisine. Try the local bamboo shoots, stir-fried with cured pork (30 RMB), and the fresh river fish. The village is peaceful at night, with the sound of the stream and the occasional kiln firing. The restaurant Sanbao Renjia is a popular choice among the artist community. Dinner costs 40-60 RMB per person.
5

Fuliang Ancient County & Yaoli Ancient Town

History and serenity beyond the kilns

Morning
Fuliang Ancient County Government
Visit Fuliang Ancient County (Fuliang Gu Xian), a remarkably well-preserved government complex dating back over 1,000 years. The site includes the original county government building, a court hall, prison, and gardens. The buildings are classic Song Dynasty architecture with graceful curved roofs and wooden columns. The most fascinating exhibit is the Song Dynasty kiln remains discovered on the site, showing that Fuliang was a ceramic production center even before Jingdezhen. Entry is 50 RMB.
Historical context: Fuliang County was established in the Tang Dynasty (817 AD) and was the administrative center for the region. The name "Jingdezhen" comes from the Song Dynasty Jingde era (1004-1007) when the emperor ordered the production of imperial porcelain here.
Afternoon
Yaoli Ancient Town
Drive 1 hour to Yaoli Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty town set in a serene river valley. Yaoli is known for its 650-year-old Huizhou-style buildings with white walls, black tiles, and intricate wood carvings. The town is less touristy than many ancient towns in China and feels genuinely lived-in. Walk along the river, cross the old stone bridges, and visit the ancient kiln sites that dot the surrounding hills. The town is a peaceful counterpoint to the creative energy of Jingdezhen.
Photography: Yaoli is a photographer's dream. The white-walled Huizhou buildings reflected in the river, the stone bridges, and the old kilns all make beautiful subjects. The late afternoon light is best.
Evening
Yaoli Dinner
Have dinner at a restaurant in Yaoli overlooking the river. The town specializes in simple, rustic Jiangxi cuisine. Try the local river fish, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and the famous Yaoli tofu. The tofu is made with local spring water and has a silky texture. A dinner costs 40-60 RMB per person. Stay overnight at a guesthouse in Yaoli for a truly peaceful experience - rooms cost 150-250 RMB.
6

Advanced Ceramics & Ceiling Painting

Deepening your ceramic skills

Morning
Blue-and-White Painting Workshop
Return to Jingdezhen and join a blue-and-white (qinghua) painting workshop. This is a step up from the basic throwing class - you will learn to paint traditional patterns on a bisque-fired piece using cobalt oxide pigment. Master painters will show you brush techniques that have been passed down for generations. The class costs 200 RMB and includes a pre-made piece that you paint and take home (after firing). The results are beautiful - even beginners can create something impressive with the master's guidance.
Brush technique: The key to blue-and-white is brush control. The master will show you how to load the brush, control the pressure, and create the characteristic "halo" effect. The cobalt pigment turns from black to blue during firing.
Afternoon
Ceiling Painting Experience
Jingdezhen has a unique ceiling painting tradition called "doucai" - painting on the ceiling of kilns and buildings. Visit a studio that offers a ceiling painting experience, where you can paint on a ceramic tile that will be used in a mural or architectural installation. This is a rare opportunity to create something that becomes part of a larger work. The experience costs 100 RMB and takes about 1 hour.
Legacy: Your tile will be fired and installed in a public or private space. The studio will send you a photo of the finished installation. It is a meaningful way to leave your mark on the porcelain capital.
Evening
Farewell Dinner at Taoxichuan
Celebrate your last night in Jingdezhen with a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Taoxichuan. The district has several excellent restaurants. Try the Porcelain Theme Restaurant, where dishes are served on handmade Jingdezhen plates. The menu features Jiangxi classics with a modern twist. A tasting menu costs 80-120 RMB per person. After dinner, take one last walk through the Taoxichuan night market, lit by lanterns and the glow of kilns.
7

Final Morning & Departure

Last treasures and farewells

Morning
Jingdezhen Breakfast & Final Shopping
Start your final day with a Jingdezhen breakfast: cold noodles (liang mian) with chili oil and peanuts (8 RMB), or a bowl of rice noodles in soup (10 RMB). Visit the Jingdezhen Porcelain Market (Jingdezhen Taoci Shichang) for last-minute shopping. This is the largest wholesale market in the city, with hundreds of stalls selling everything from factory seconds to high-end art pieces. A set of 6 blue-and-white teacups costs 80-150 RMB. Factory seconds with minor flaws are 50% off.
Shipping: Most vendors can arrange shipping for larger purchases. Get a receipt and the vendor's WeChat. Shipping costs vary - expect 100-300 RMB for a medium-sized package to most countries.
Late Morning
Final Visit & Departure
Make a final visit to the Taoxichuan art district to pick up your fired pieces from the workshop. The finished pieces will be glazed, fired, and ready to pack. Say goodbye to the artists and shop owners you have met. Transfer to Jingdezhen North Station (20 minutes) for the high-speed train to Shanghai, Hangzhou, or Nanchang. The train back to Shanghai takes 3.5 hours.
Farewell: Jingdezhen is a city that gets under your skin. The feeling of clay on the wheel, the sight of blue-and-white patterns emerging under a master's brush, the warmth of the kiln - these memories will stay with you. Zai jian, Jingdezhen.
Departure
Jingdezhen North Station
Jingdezhen North Station is a modern high-speed rail station with direct services to Shanghai (3.5 hours, 200 RMB), Hangzhou (2.5 hours, 150 RMB), Nanchang (1.5 hours, 80 RMB), and other cities. The station has good food options and shops. Pack your ceramics carefully - wrap them in bubble wrap and carry them in your hand luggage if possible.

Practical Tips

Getting There

Take the high-speed train to Jingdezhen North Station from Shanghai (3.5h), Hangzhou (2.5h), or Nanchang (1.5h). The nearest airport is Jingdezhen Luojia Airport (JDZ) with flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

Transportation

Taxis are cheap (10-20 RMB within the city). Use Didi (Chinese Uber) for convenience. For Yaoli and Fuliang, hire a driver for the day (250-350 RMB). The city is very walkable, especially the Taoxichuan area.

Ceramic Shopping

Best places: Taoxichuan studios (authentic art), Porcelain Market (wholesale), Guyao Street (mid-range). Bargain at street markets. Buy from studios for quality. Check for flaws. Shipping can be arranged.

Workshop Tips

Book throwing classes in advance (especially on weekends). Wear old clothes. Expect to get messy. Your piece will be ready in 3-7 days. Shipping costs extra. Most instructors speak basic English.

What to Pack

Comfortable walking shoes, old clothes for ceramic workshops, a sweater for air-conditioned museums, sun protection, and bubble wrap for bringing ceramics home.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the best weather. The Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Fair (October) and Taoxichuan Spring Festival (April) are special events. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold and damp.

Photo Gallery

Jingdezhen porcelain craftsmanship
Taoxichuan art district
Imperial Kiln Museum architecture
Blue-and-white porcelain painting
Ancient dragon kiln
Yaoli Ancient Town

Traveler Reviews

Emma R.

Emma R.

London, UK | April 2026

★★★★★

Jingdezhen exceeded every expectation. The Taoxichuan art district is incredible - the repurposed factory buildings with their brick chimneys create such a cool atmosphere. I spent a whole day just wandering through the galleries and studios. The pottery throwing class was the highlight - I made a wonky bowl that the master potter somehow transformed into something beautiful. The Imperial Kiln Museum is an architectural masterpiece. I will definitely be back.

David K.

David K.

New York, NY | November 2025

★★★★★

The China Ceramic Museum is mind-blowing. 40,000 pieces spanning 10,000 years - I spent four hours there and still felt like I rushed. The Ming Dynasty blue-and-white collection is world-class. The museum is free, which is incredible for the quality of the collection. The Ancient Kiln Museum was also fascinating - watching the master painters create perfect blue-and-white patterns by hand was mesmerizing. Jingdezhen is a must for anyone interested in art or history.

Sophie M.

Sophie M.

Paris, France | May 2026

★★★★★

The blue-and-white painting workshop was the most rewarding experience of my trip to China. The master painter, Mr. Chen, has been painting porcelain for 40 years. He showed me how to hold the brush, control the pressure, and create the patterns. The concentration required is meditative. My finished teacup is now my most treasured possession. The ceiling painting experience was also unique - knowing my tile is part of a permanent installation in Jingdezhen is special.

Mark T.

Mark T.

Melbourne, Australia | October 2025

★★★★★

Yaoli Ancient Town was a wonderful day trip from Jingdezhen. The Huizhou architecture is beautiful - white walls, black tiles, and intricate wood carvings. The town is much less touristy than other ancient towns in China. I stayed overnight in a guesthouse by the river and woke up to the sound of water flowing. The local tofu is exceptional. The drive back through the countryside with the autumn colors was stunning. A perfect escape from the city.

Anna L.

Anna L.

Berlin, Germany | April 2026

★★★★★

The Taoxichuan night market is a must. The atmosphere is electric - artists selling their work, live music, and the smell of street food. I bought a beautiful celadon teacup from a young artist for 80 RMB. The food stalls serve delicious Jiangxi snacks - the spicy cold noodles and fried tofu were my favorites. Sanbao Village is a beautiful place to spend a day - the international artist community is inspiring. I met artists from Japan, France, and the US all working in residence.

James H.

James H.

Toronto, Canada | May 2026

★★★★★

The Fuliang Ancient County government building is a hidden gem. The Song Dynasty architecture is well-preserved and the kiln remains on site are fascinating. The museum explains the history of the region clearly. I spent a pleasant morning there and then walked to the nearby porcelain market. The stir-fried rice cakes in Jingdezhen are the best I have eaten in China - the local specialty is a must-try. The city is a perfect destination for art and culture lovers.

Mia S.

Mia S.

Copenhagen, Denmark | November 2025

★★★★★

I came to Jingdezhen for a week and stayed for three. The creative energy in this city is infectious. I signed up for a throwing class at Sanbao and ended up taking five more classes over the next two weeks. The master potter was incredibly patient and taught me techniques I could never learn in a book. The Imperial Kiln Museum is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. Jingdezhen has changed the way I think about ceramics and art.

Tom W.

Tom W.

Seattle, WA | October 2025

★★★★★

The quality of the museums in Jingdezhen is world-class. The China Ceramic Museum is free and rivals any national museum I have visited. The Imperial Kiln Museum's architecture is stunning - the way the brick vaults echo the shape of the kilns is brilliant. The ancient dragon kiln at the Folk Culture Museum is still in use after 300 years. The ceramic shopping is overwhelming - I bought a set of teacups, a vase, and several small pieces for under 500 RMB total. Incredible value.

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