Jingdezhen needs little introduction. For centuries, the city has been synonymous with one of China’s great art forms: porcelain. Located in Jiangxi Province, is the Porcelain Capital. And boasts more than 1,700 years of ceramic-making tradition. Here, clay, fire and generations of craftsmanship have come together to create pieces admired around the world.
China’s 61st UNESCO World Heritage Site
In July 2026, Jingdezhen was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its historic kilns, raw-material extraction sites, production areas and trade networks are recognised as “a centre of technological innovation in porcelain production.”
With this new addition, China now has 61 World Heritage Sites. Just one short of Italy, the leader in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Art of Ceramics in Jingdezhen
Jingdezhen porcelain stands out for its whiteness, delicacy, and strength. Its secret lies in a blend of kaolin and porcelain stone, shaped using techniques refined over centuries.
Each piece passes through many hands. It is shaped, dried, glazed and decorated by skilled craftspeople. Before reaching the crucial final stage: the kiln. At extremely high temperatures, the clay turns into porcelain. It is a process that demands precision, balance and years of experience. It may look extraordinary to us, but in Jingdezhen’s workshops, it is simply part of everyday life.
One of the city’s most iconic styles is blue-and-white porcelain. For centuries, artisans have decorated vases, plates, and other pieces with distinctive cobalt-blue designs.
A City Built Around Fire
From the Middle Ages onwards, Jingdezhen grew into a major centre of porcelain production. By the 16th to 18th centuries, it had become one of the world’s leading porcelain hubs.
Today, you can experience this legacy by exploring the city, visiting historic kilns, workshops and galleries, and meeting local artisans. You can even sit at a pottery wheel and make your own piece. It is the perfect way to get a feel for the craft and take home a souvenir you made yourself.
Contemporary galleries also show that Jingdezhen’s ceramic tradition is anything but stuck in the past. There is plenty more to see and do in Jingdezhen, too.
Is Jingdezhen Worth Visiting?
Jingdezhen is a city where ancient kilns are still burning, where artisans shape clay with the same passion as their ancestors, and where porcelain carries the legacy of an entire civilisation.
Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast or simply looking for an immersive cultural experience, Jingdezhen is for you. It offers a journey through time, craftsmanship and creativity.
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