The Millennium Charm and Modern Innovation of the Porcelain Capital

1. First acquaintance with Jingdezhen: From the high-speed rail station to the China Ceramics Museum On the first day of arriving in Jingdezhen, I chose to go directly to the China Ceramics Museum from the high-speed rail station. This museum is an important window for understanding the history and culture of Jingdezhen ceramics. Walking into the museum, it feels like traveling back to ancient times. The museum displays exquisite ceramics from various periods from the Neolithic Age to the present day. Each exhibit embodies the hard work of countless craftsmen. During the visit, I learned that Jingdezhen is known as the "Porcelain Capital" because it has unique conditions for porcelain making - high-quality kaolin resources, exquisite firing techniques and a long historical heritage. Through these precious cultural relics and materials, I have a deeper understanding of this city and am looking forward to the next few days of the trip. 2. Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area: On the second day, I came to the Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area. This is one of the best places to showcase Jingdezhen's traditional ceramic craftsmanship. After entering the scenic area, the first thing that catches your eye is several well-preserved ancient dragon kilns, which have witnessed the development of Jingdezhen's ceramic industry. Walking along the bluestone road, there are various handicraft workshops on both sides. Craftsmen are busy with processes such as throwing, carving, and glazing, which makes people feel the strong atmosphere of handmade art. What I remember most is the experience of pottery making in person. Under the guidance of a professional master, I tried the basic skill of wheel throwing. Although the finished product was not perfect, this hands-on process gave me a more intuitive understanding of ceramic art. In addition, a large number of porcelain treasures from the Ming and Qing dynasties are displayed here, whose exquisite shapes and delicate textures are breathtaking. 3. Yaoli Ancient Town: On the third day, I decided to leave the city and head to Yaoli Ancient Town, about 40 kilometers away from Jingdezhen. This is an ancient village located at the junction of Anhui and Jiangxi, and is also one of the main production areas of Jingdezhen ceramic raw materials. Due to its special geographical location, Yaoli has preserved many ancient architectural complexes from the Ming and Qing dynasties, forming a unique local style. Walking in the alleys paved with bluestone slabs, it feels like traveling back to ancient times. On both sides are well-preserved wooden houses with flying eaves, carved beams and painted buildings, full of the strong Jiangnan water village style. There are not only traditional shops and teahouses here, but also many daily life scenes of residents, which make people feel the strong breath of life. In addition, Yaoli has rich natural resources, such as dense forests and clear streams, making it an ideal leisure and vacation destination. 4. The ruins of the Imperial Kiln Factory: On the fourth day, I came to the ruins of the Imperial Kiln Factory. This was the place where porcelain was fired for the imperial court from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, and it is one of the representatives of the ancient Chinese official kiln system. Today, although porcelain is no longer produced, a large number of historical relics are still preserved, including ancient kilns, factory ruins, etc. Walking in the Imperial Kiln Factory Ruins Park, you can clearly see the busy production scenes of that time. Through the introduction of the tour guide, I learned that the porcelain production process here is very strict. It requires multiple steps from material selection, molding to firing, and is carefully operated by experienced craftsmen. It is this attitude of striving for excellence that has made Jingdezhen porcelain a world-famous artistic treasure. 5. Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Block: The Collision of Tradition and Modernity On the last day, I chose to spend a leisurely time in Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Block. This was originally an abandoned old factory. After renovation and upgrading in recent years, it has become a comprehensive platform integrating creative design, art exhibitions and cultural exchanges. The architectural style in the block is unique, with both preserved industrial heritage elements and modern new projects, creating a unique visual impact. Strolling along Taoxichuan, you can see young artists’ studios and independent brand stores everywhere. They combine traditional ceramic techniques with modern design concepts to create many refreshing works. In addition, various cultural activities such as concerts and markets are often held here, attracting many tourists to visit and experience. It is very suitable for taking photos or taking a leisurely walk. Summary: The five-day and four-night trip to Jingdezhen was fleeting, but this city left a deep impression on me. Whether it is the long-standing ceramic culture, the inheritance and development of traditional crafts, or the vibrant modern creative industry, all demonstrate the unique charm of Jingdezhen. Here, you can feel the unique charm of the thousand-year-old porcelain capital, and appreciate the infinite possibilities brought about by the integration of contemporary art and traditional culture. I hope I will have the opportunity to come back to this poetic and romantic city in the future and continue to explore more unknown beauty. Tips: •Best time to travel: Spring and autumn have moderate temperatures and are suitable for outdoor activities. •Must-visit attractions: China Ceramics Museum, Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area, Yaoli Ancient Town, Imperial Kiln Factory Ruins, Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative District, etc. • Transportation suggestions: The city has convenient public transportation and you can take buses or taxis to various attractions; for more distant attractions such as Yaoli Ancient Town, it is recommended to rent a car or join a one-day tour. •Accommodation recommendation: There are many unique B&Bs and hotels to choose from in the city, with reasonable prices and beautiful environments.