When people think of porcelain, they think of Jingdezhen, the legendary Porcelain Capital of China. Nestled in the green mountains of Jiangxi Province, this historic city has been shaping the world’s love for ceramics for over a thousand years. From ancient kilns and imperial treasures to modern art districts and creative villages, Jingdezhen offers a fascinating mix of history and innovation. This Jingdezhen travel guide covers the best places to visit, top things to do, and hidden gems that make it one of the most unique destinations in China.
Sanbao Village: An Artistic Retreat in the Mountains
Tucked away in the hills, Sanbao Village is often described as a “ceramic utopia.” On misty days, the rustic houses and fog-covered mountains resemble an ink painting, while ceramics displayed indoors and outdoors seem to come alive. Visitors can explore porcelain workshops, browse creative designs, enjoy private galleries, and even join pottery classes. Cozy tea houses and cafés make it a perfect spot to slow down.
The highlight is the Sanbao International Ceramic Art Village, with the Sanbao Art Museum’s striking modern design that blends with nature. Renting a scooter is a fun way to explore, meandering past streams and forests. The relaxed pace and artistic vibe make Sanbao one of the most popular things to do in Jingdezhen for travelers seeking both culture and tranquility.
Taoyangli Historic District: The Ancient Core of Jingdezhen
Known as the “living fossil” of Jingdezhen, Taoyangli Historic District is one of the city’s most important cultural attractions. Here you’ll find Ming and Qing dynasty kiln sites and remnants of porcelain-making that date back over 2,000 years. This district also produced over 95% of the porcelain used in Beijing’s Forbidden City, making it a must-see for history lovers.
Strolling the narrow alleys, kiln-brick paths, and old workshops gives you a sense of stepping back in time — an essential experience for anyone looking to explore Jingdezhen’s ancient porcelain culture.
China Ceramic Museum: A Must-See in Jingdezhen
No trip to Jingdezhen is complete without visiting the China Ceramic Museum, one of the city’s top attractions and a national first-class museum. Its exhibits cover the entire history of Chinese porcelain, from early pottery to imperial masterpieces.
The must-see highlight is the set of Eighteen Arhats sculptures, famous for their expressive detail. Don’t miss the “Silent Buddha” (Deep Thought Arhat) — go early and head straight to the 6th floor to beat the crowds.
Taoxichuan Cultural & Creative District: Jingdezhen’s Modern Side
For a taste of Jingdezhen’s modern energy, head to Taoxichuan Cultural & Creative District. Once a large porcelain factory, this area is now a hub of art galleries, studios, and design shops, blending industrial heritage with contemporary creativity. It has also become home to the “Jingpiao” community — young artists and entrepreneurs drawn to the city’s vibrant culture.
The highlight is the Taoxichuan Creative Market, held on weekends and Friday evenings. Here, students from Jingdezhen Ceramic University and local artisans sell original handmade ceramics and crafts, making it one of the best places to shop for souvenirs. With food stalls, live music, and unique designs, Taoxichuan is a must-visit for anyone looking for **things to do in Jingdezhen beyond the kilns.
Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Museum: A Living Porcelain Park
The Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Museum is a 5A-rated national tourist attraction and a highlight for anyone interested in porcelain. Often called “the Forbidden City of the North, the Ancient Kilns of the South,” this site combines history, culture, and interactive experiences.
Here, you can watch master artisans painting porcelain by hand or try pottery-making workshops in Jingdezhen yourself. The park is full of porcelain-themed elements, from lamps and bridges to sculptures, all set within a peaceful garden landscape. It’s one of the best family-friendly attractions in Jingdezhen.
Porcelain Palace: A Mosaic Fairy Tale
The Porcelain Palace is one of Jingdezhen’s most unique landmarks. Built entirely from broken ceramic shards, this dazzling mosaic castle glitters under the sun. Inside, walls and ceilings are decorated with intricate porcelain art — floral patterns, animals, mythological scenes, and auspicious symbols.
The palace was created by a local grandmother who spent over 20 years building this dreamlike world, making it one of the most unusual and unforgettable things to see in Jingdezhen.
Hanxi Village: Tea Fields and Art in Nature
For travelers who love nature, Hanxi Village offers rolling tea plantations, fresh mountain air, and creative art installations set against the landscape. Visitors can try tea picking, sip local Fuliang black tea lattes, or simply relax in a café housed inside ancient kiln ruins. It’s a peaceful side trip and a refreshing contrast to the busy city.
Dongbu Ancient Wharf: Tracing the Maritime Silk Road
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Dongbu Wharf was a vital port for transporting kaolin clay and other porcelain materials. From here, Jingdezhen porcelain was shipped across the world, earning it the title “source of the Maritime Silk Road.” Today, the wharf retains its historical charm with ancient stone streets, centuries-old camphor trees, and traditional riverside houses. It’s one of the most authentic historical sites in Jingdezhen, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich ceramic trade heritage.
Yaoli Scenic Area: A Hidden Retreat in the Mountains
The poetic beauty of Yaoli Scenic Area is legendary — it’s even said to have inspired Jay Chou’s song lyrics about “sky-blue waiting for the rain.” This area is filled with misty mountains, rivers, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings.
The ancient town of Yaoli is free to enter, but certain scenic spots require tickets. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed walls, and curved rooftops create a dreamy, tranquil escape — perfect for those looking to experience a quieter, authentic side of Jingdezhen travel.
Royal Kiln Scenic Area: Hands-On with History
At the Royal Kiln Site, visitors can experience pottery-making with expert guidance, shaping clay into cups or bowls. The museum showcases treasures like Song dynasty celadon, Yuan dynasty blue-and-white porcelain, Ming doucai, and the famous Red Dragon Vase. It’s one of the best things to do in Jingdezhen for travelers who want a hands-on, immersive experience of the city’s ceramic heritage.
From world-class museums to creative art villages, from historic wharfs to hidden tea fields, Jingdezhen is one of the best places to visit in China for culture and history. Every attraction tells part of the story of porcelain. If Beijing is about imperial grandeur and Shanghai is about modern energy, then Jingdezhen is the soul of Chinese craftsmanship — waiting for travelers to discover.