When it comes to traditional Chinese crafts and ceramics, this is the place! Recommended sightseeing spots in Jingdezhen

When you hear the name Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province, the first thing that comes to mind is ceramics, right? That’s right—Jingdezhen is a city famous for its porcelain production. It has been designated as a National Historic and Cultural City, officially recognized by the government for its historical significance. It is also a tourist destination where cultural heritage is well preserved.
More than 2,000 years ago, during the Han Dynasty, kilns were established in this area, and Jingdezhen has been producing porcelain for the imperial court ever since. Due to its excellent quality, its porcelain gradually gained high recognition as an export product, spreading worldwide and attracting many enthusiasts. The English word for porcelain, "china," is said to have originated from the beautiful ceramics of Jingdezhen!
Now, let’s introduce some sightseeing spots in Jingdezhen, a city that flourished through its exquisite ceramics. Be sure to check them out when you visit!

1. Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln and Folk Customs Museum (Jingdezhen Ceramics History Museum)

The Jingdezhen Ceramics History and Culture Museum, built on ancient kiln ruins that date back 6,300 years, is a must-visit tourist attraction. It offers a unique combination of well-preserved ancient kilns and a museum where visitors can learn about history and culture.
One of the most popular attractions for tourists is the area where you can observe the porcelain-making process up close. Jingdezhen has long followed a division of labor system in porcelain production. Here, you can watch different craftsmen at work—some shaping the clay on a potter’s wheel, others engraving patterns, and still others painting intricate designs.
The skills of the porcelain painters are especially impressive! Their delicate brushwork is mesmerizing, creating breathtakingly beautiful designs. The finished porcelain pieces range from palm-sized cups to enormous jars.
In the area dedicated to learning about Jingdezhen’s history and culture, you’ll find extensive exhibits on porcelain production and the work environment of past artisans. As one of China’s most prestigious traditional crafts, Jingdezhen’s ceramics have a rich and fascinating history. If you visit the city, this is a must-see attraction!

2. Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Ruins (Ming and Qing Imperial Kiln Site)

The Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Ruins were used for around 500 years, from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, to produce porcelain exclusively for the imperial court. Today, the site is a well-known tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the remnants of ancient wells, restored kiln models, and excavated kiln sites, offering a glimpse into the past.
A large number of porcelain fragments have been unearthed here. Since they remained at the kiln site, it means these pieces were not considered suitable for the imperial court. It is said that even the disposal of failed works was strictly regulated. Through a process of trial and error, only the most flawless porcelain pieces were ultimately presented to the emperor.
Within the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Ruins, there is also the China Imperial Kiln Craft Museum, which is popular among visitors. It features replicas of famous ceramics from the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as illustrated displays explaining the porcelain-making process. This is a particularly fascinating site for pottery enthusiasts.

3. Longzhu Pavilion

If you visit Jingdezhen, wouldn’t you love to take in a panoramic view of the city? Longzhu Pavilion is a five-story tower located on a small hill, offering visitors a breathtaking view of Jingdezhen.
Built in 1990 on the site of an old state-run porcelain factory from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Longzhu Pavilion allows visitors to climb to the top and see the kilns of Jingdezhen emitting smoke—an iconic sight of this porcelain-making city.
Many Ming Dynasty ceramics have been excavated in Jingdezhen, and interestingly, a large number of them were discovered during the construction of Longzhu Pavilion. Imagining that people from the Ming Dynasty once stood in the same place, gazing over the city, adds a romantic historical touch to the experience.
The area surrounding Longzhu Pavilion retains much of its old-town architecture, providing a charming atmosphere for strolling and sightseeing. Be sure to take your time exploring this fascinating part of the city!

4. Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum

Located inside Longzhuge Pavilion, which offers a panoramic view of Jingdezhen, the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum showcases excavated artifacts from the early Ming Dynasty. The porcelain made for the imperial court had to meet extremely strict standards, and even the slightest flaw was unacceptable.
Even tiny imperfections that were invisible to the untrained eye led to the rejection and disposal of these works. Today, the fragments of these discarded pieces have been restored and are on display. The broken porcelain, never used but carefully crafted, reflects the dedication and precision of the artisans of the time.
Even though these are restored pieces, they are so stunning that it’s hard to see why they were deemed defective. The exhibits include bowls, water pitchers, vases, bird feeders, and even large plates with diameters of around 50 cm. Each of these pieces serves as a valuable historical artifact that tells the story of the Ming Dynasty and its culture.

◎ Summary

We have introduced four must-visit sightseeing spots in Jingdezhen, the city that flourished with its exquisite porcelain.
Each of these places is full of charm! As expected from a city renowned for its ceramics, visitors can experience both the history and craftsmanship of porcelain production. Of course, beyond these locations, Jingdezhen has many more wonderful attractions to explore. Interestingly, the asphalt roads in the city are mixed with porcelain shards, so take a closer look at the ground while walking!
Whether you are a connoisseur of ceramics and Chinese craftsmanship or just someone curious to learn more, Jingdezhen offers new discoveries and inspirations for everyone. Why not visit this fascinating city of porcelain? A wonderful experience surely awaits you!

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When it comes to traditional Chinese crafts and ceramics, this is the place! Recommended sightseeing spots in Jingdezhen