Jingdezhen（景德镇）: Where Porcelain, Art, and Nature Meet
Located in Jiangxi Province, Jingdezhen is world-famous as the “Porcelain Capital of China,” with over 1,000 years of ceramic-making history. The city’s charm lies in its perfect blend of ancient craftsmanship and modern creativity. Visitors can explore traditional kiln sites, ancient towns, and scenic mountains while experiencing the art of porcelain firsthand.
Highlights include the Imperial Kiln Site Park, which showcases royal porcelain history; Taoxichuan Art Avenue, a lively creative district full of galleries and cafes; Yaoli Ancient Town, surrounded by rivers and bamboo forests; and the China Ceramics Museum, home to exquisite treasures from every dynasty. Whether you come to learn about porcelain culture, admire its natural beauty, or enjoy its artistic atmosphere, Jingdezhen offers a truly unique and timeless travel experience.
The Places You Absolutely Must Visit：
Imperial Kiln National Archaeological Site Park (御窑厂国家考古遗址公园)
click here to see the map pin📍
Located in the heart of Jingdezhen, the Imperial Kiln National Archaeological Site Park preserves the remains of the legendary royal kilns that served the Chinese emperors for over 900 years. These kilns, active since the Ming Dynasty, produced exquisite porcelain exclusively for the imperial court. Today, the park combines ancient ruins with modern exhibitions, allowing visitors to step back into the world of court artisans and imperial aesthetics.
Walking through the site, one can see reconstructed kiln structures, porcelain shards, and interactive displays explaining the intricate process of imperial porcelain production. The park’s design blends archaeology with artistry, providing a vivid sense of history amid serene gardens and water features. It’s a place where the legacy of “China’s Porcelain Capital” is preserved and honored, inspiring visitors to appreciate the precision and creativity of ancient craftsmanship.
Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue (陶溪川)
click here to see the map pin📍
Taoxichuan is the modern heartbeat of Jingdezhen’s porcelain culture — a place where tradition meets innovation. Once an old ceramic factory district, it has been transformed into a vibrant art and creative hub. The red-brick industrial buildings have been carefully preserved and repurposed into art galleries, studios, cafes, and boutique shops, creating a fusion of heritage and youthful energy. The atmosphere is dynamic, filled with artists, students, and travelers who share a passion for ceramic art and design.
At night, Taoxichuan comes alive with music, light shows, and cultural performances. Its weekend art markets feature handmade ceramics, creative crafts, and local delicacies, turning the area into a lively festival ground. More than a sightseeing spot, Taoxichuan represents Jingdezhen’s new identity — a global creative capital where the spirit of craftsmanship continues to evolve with the modern age.
Yaoli Ancient Town (瑶里古镇)
click here to see the map pin📍
Nestled deep in the lush mountains near Jingdezhen, Yaoli Ancient Town is a living museum of porcelain history and natural beauty. Once a vital porcelain production center during the Tang and Song dynasties, the town remains beautifully preserved, with its stone bridges, wooden houses, and narrow cobbled lanes whispering tales of its prosperous past. Flowing rivers and surrounding bamboo forests give Yaoli a tranquil, poetic charm that reflects the simplicity of rural Jiangxi life.
Beyond its picturesque scenery, Yaoli is also known for its porcelain-making heritage. Visitors can still see old kilns and workshops that have been in operation for centuries. Locals often demonstrate traditional ceramic techniques, allowing travelers to experience the harmony between craft and nature. Whether exploring ancient streets, hiking to waterfalls, or admiring handmade pottery, Yaoli offers a serene retreat that captures the soul of China’s porcelain roots.
China Ceramics Museum (中国陶瓷博物馆)
click here to see the map pin📍
The China Ceramics Museum stands as the most comprehensive museum dedicated to Chinese porcelain, tracing over 2,000 years of ceramic evolution. Its modern architecture symbolizes both the fragility and strength of porcelain, while the exhibits inside showcase masterpieces from different dynasties — from the blue-and-white ware of the Ming to the refined celadon of the Song. Each hall reveals the artistic progression of China’s most famous craft and the influence it had on world culture.
Interactive displays, digital reconstructions, and educational workshops make the museum engaging for both experts and casual visitors. Beyond admiration, it offers deep insight into how porcelain shaped trade, art, and technology across centuries. The museum is not only a treasure house of ceramics but also a cultural bridge connecting China’s glorious past with its ongoing innovation in the ceramic arts.
Jingdezhen Cuisine
Jingdezhen’s cuisine reflects the warmth and creativity of its people — simple, flavorful, and deeply rooted in local tradition. Influenced by Jiangxi cooking styles, it emphasizes freshness, bold seasoning, and home-style comfort. The dishes often feature mountain herbs, local vegetables, and ingredients slow-cooked in clay pots, symbolizing the city’s porcelain heritage.
Among its specialties, Porcelain Clay Stewed Chicken (Cini Waiji) is cooked in clay from the local kilns, creating a rich and earthy aroma. Jiaozi Ba, a sticky rice dumpling, and Jianshui Ba, an alkaline rice cake, showcase the region’s love for glutinous snacks. Meanwhile, Lengfen, a refreshing cold noodle dish, offers the perfect balance on hot summer days. Jingdezhen’s food is humble yet artistic — just like its porcelain — full of local color and crafted with care.
Porcelain Clay Stewed Chicken (瓷泥煨鸡）
A signature dish of Jingdezhen, Porcelain Clay Stewed Chicken is slow-cooked using local porcelain clay wrapped around a whole chicken. The dish is traditionally buried in hot ashes and baked for hours, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply. When cracked open, the tender meat releases a mouthwatering aroma mixed with herbal fragrance. The process symbolizes Jingdezhen’s ceramic culture — patience, heat, and artistry. Each bite carries the earthy scent of clay and the delicate sweetness of chicken, offering a unique culinary reflection of the city’s porcelain-making spirit.
Jiaozi Ba (饺子粑）
Jiaozi Ba is a traditional glutinous rice snack popular in Jingdezhen’s countryside. Despite its name, it’s not a dumpling but a sticky rice cake shaped like one. Made from ground glutinous rice filled with savory pork, mushrooms, or sweet red bean paste, it’s wrapped in banana or bamboo leaves and steamed to perfection. The result is soft, chewy, and fragrant. Locals enjoy it during festivals or as breakfast. Its texture and aroma capture the comfort of home cooking, making it a beloved symbol of Jingdezhen’s rustic culinary charm.
Lengfen (冷粉）
Lengfen, or cold rice noodles, is Jingdezhen’s favorite summer delicacy. The slippery noodles are made from rice starch and served chilled with chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peanuts. The combination creates a refreshing balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. It’s often sold by street vendors and enjoyed as a quick, satisfying snack. More than a dish, Lengfen reflects local life — simple, energetic, and flavorful. On hot afternoons, locals gather around small stalls to enjoy this cool treat, sharing laughter and conversation in the porcelain city’s lively streets.
Jianshui Ba (碱水粑）
Jianshui Ba is a golden-yellow glutinous rice cake made with alkaline water, giving it a distinctive chewy texture and mild flavor. Steamed or pan-fried, it can be eaten plain, dipped in sugar, or paired with soy sauce for a salty-sweet contrast. The alkaline water not only enhances elasticity but also adds a subtle fragrance unique to Jiangxi cuisine. Once a humble countryside snack, Jianshui Ba now represents Jingdezhen’s simple yet satisfying food culture — modest in appearance but rich in tradition, echoing the same humble artistry found in its world-famous porcelain.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Jingdezhen is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild, the air is clear, and the scenery is most vibrant. In spring, blooming flowers and gentle sunshine create an ideal setting for exploring ancient kilns, mountain towns, and rivers. Autumn, on the other hand, brings crisp air and golden foliage, perfect for outdoor walks and cultural festivals.
These seasons also coincide with Jingdezhen’s International Ceramic Fair in October, where artists and collectors from around the world gather to celebrate the city’s porcelain heritage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter tends to be cold and damp, so spring and autumn offer the most pleasant travel experience. Whether you come for art, history, or nature, these months allow you to see Jingdezhen at its most beautiful and inspiring.
Transportation in Jingdezhen
Jingdezhen is well-connected and easy to navigate for travelers. The city has its own airport (Jingdezhen Luojia Airport) with daily flights to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. High-speed trains also link Jingdezhen with nearby hubs such as Nanchang, Hangzhou, and Huangshan, making it convenient to reach by rail. Within the city, buses and taxis are affordable and cover most attractions.
Major sites like Taoxichuan, the China Ceramics Museum, and the Imperial Kiln Site Park are close to the city center, often just 10–15 minutes apart by taxi. Yaoli Ancient Town, however, lies about 40 kilometers away and is best reached by car or private transfer. Car rental services are available at the airport and downtown, offering both self-drive and driver options. Roads are well-maintained, and driving provides the flexibility to explore rural areas and scenic spots around the porcelain capital.
Travel Tips for Visiting Jingdezhen
When traveling to Jingdezhen, comfort and flexibility are key. The city is compact, and taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi make getting around simple. For a day trip to Yaoli Ancient Town, it’s best to hire a private car or driver, as public transport is limited and the scenic route is worth the flexibility. If you plan to explore smaller pottery villages, bring cash, as some local shops may not accept cards or mobile payment.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most pleasant times to visit, with mild weather ideal for walking and sightseeing. Summer can be hot, so carry sunscreen, a hat, and bottled water. Many attractions involve walking on uneven stone paths, so comfortable shoes are essential.
When buying ceramics, take time to compare prices — Taoxichuan offers modern designs, while local workshops near the Imperial Kiln site sell traditional pieces. Ask vendors about packaging or shipping if you wish to bring fragile items home. Lastly, don’t rush your trip — Jingdezhen’s beauty lies in its relaxed pace, where art, history, and daily life flow together like glaze on porcelain.
A 3-Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1 – Discovering the Porcelain Heritage
Begin your journey at the Imperial Kiln National Archaeological Site Park(御窑厂国家考古遗址公园), where ancient royal kilns once produced porcelain for the Chinese emperors. Walk among the preserved ruins, view historical exhibits, and watch live demonstrations of traditional porcelain-making. After lunch, visit the nearby China Ceramics Museum（中国陶瓷博物馆）, the largest museum of its kind in the world. Here you can explore masterpieces from different dynasties and gain a deep understanding of Jingdezhen’s thousand-year ceramic legacy. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing stroll around the city center and taste local specialties such as porcelain clay stewed chicken.
Day 2 – Art, Creativity, and Modern Design
Start the day at Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue（陶溪川）, a lively creative district that transforms old factories into galleries, studios, and cafés. Spend the morning exploring contemporary ceramic art, shopping for handmade crafts, or chatting with local artists. Stop at one of the stylish cafés for lunch and experience Jingdezhen’s youthful, artistic atmosphere. In the afternoon, continue exploring nearby shops or attend a pottery workshop to make your own ceramic piece. As night falls, enjoy the illuminated streets, live music, and vibrant night market, where culture and creativity come together in full color.
Day 3 – Nature and History in Yaoli Ancient Town
Travel to Yaoli Ancient Town（瑶里古镇）, about an hour’s drive from downtown Jingdezhen. Surrounded by green mountains, clear rivers, and ancient stone bridges, Yaoli offers a peaceful escape into history. Wander through the old streets, visit traditional porcelain kilns, and experience rural life that has changed little over centuries. You can also hike to nearby waterfalls or visit old clay mines used during the Tang and Song dynasties. Enjoy a countryside lunch and return to Jingdezhen in the afternoon. End your journey with a quiet evening, reflecting on the city’s timeless blend of art, history, and nature.
A journey to Jingdezhen is a journey through time — where ancient kilns, creative art streets, and mountain towns together reveal the timeless beauty of China’s “Porcelain Capital.”
