Things To Do
in Jingdezhen
Jingdezhen, in Jiangxi province, is widely known as China’s “Porcelain Capital” with a continuous pottery tradition stretching over 1,700 years. The city blends working kilns, museums, artist studios and markets where contemporary ceramicists work alongside traditional craftsmen. Narrow streets around old kiln sites, the ceramic-themed Sanbao district and riverside views give Jingdezhen an intimate, creative atmosphere.
It’s an ideal destination for anyone interested in craft culture, hands-on pottery experiences, and low-key provincial city life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey with a visit to the Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum, where you can delve into the rich history of porcelain production in this city. Wander through the quaint streets of the historic center, absorbing the charming architecture and vibrant local life. Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast at a local eatery, savoring dishes like steamed buns and congee.
In the afternoon, head to the old kilns of Jingdezhen, where you can witness the ancient methods of porcelain-making still in practice today. Afterward, visit the nearby Ceramic History Museum to learn about the evolution of porcelain art through interactive exhibits. Take a moment to relax at a nearby teahouse, sipping on some fine Chinese tea and reflecting on the day's discoveries.
As the sun sets, stroll along the picturesque streets, where local artisans display their handcrafted porcelain items. Dine at a local restaurant that specializes in Jiangxi cuisine, enjoying dishes infused with unique regional flavors. Cap off your evening with a leisurely walk by the river, where the lights of the city shimmer beautifully on the water.
Start your day with a guided tour of a local ceramic factory to see the entire porcelain production process, from molding to glazing. Meet skilled artisans who have dedicated their lives to this craft and learn about the techniques that have been passed down through generations. Enjoy a light breakfast at the factory’s café, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Participate in a hands-on pottery workshop where you can try your hand at shaping clay and creating your own ceramic piece. Afterward, explore the factory’s showroom, filled with stunning displays of artwork and functional pottery. Take time to chat with the artisans, gaining insight into their creative inspirations.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional dining establishment, sampling local delicacies like fish, tofu, and seasonal vegetables. After your meal, visit a local market to browse through various ceramic items and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local bar or café, where you can relax and engage with locals over a drink.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍺Beer in a bar | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $2-6 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea in a cafe | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class porcelain history, museums and active ceramics scene
- Hands-on pottery experiences and access to working kilns and artists
- Compact, relaxed city with affordable prices compared with major Chinese cities
- Limited international flight connections—may require transfers
- Smaller city with modest nightlife and fewer non-ceramic tourist attractions
- Language barrier outside tourist sites—limited English in many local shops
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问，……在哪里？" - Excuse me, where is ...?
- "这个多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "我想买这个" - I want to buy this
- "不要肉" - No meat (for dietary restriction)
Places to Visit in Jingdezhen
Visit one of these nice places.
Striking museum architecture, displays of blue-and-white porcelain, kiln artifacts and courtyards—excellent for detailed shots of ceramics and wide-angle museum exterior photos.
Colorful artist studios, glazed works in progress, and streets full of contemporary ceramic installations—great for candid artist portraits and creative close-ups.
Ruins of old kilns, chimneys and working kilns give atmospheric photos at sunrise or sunset; textures and patterns of brickwork and ash are very photogenic.
Picturesque stone streets, rivers, old bridges and historic architecture—scenic village photography with traditional Jiangxi countryside backdrops.
Riverside scenes, local life, and narrow alleys lined with shops and small restaurants—good for evening light and street photography.
Food in Jingdezhen
Jingdezhen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught fish prepared braised, steamed, or in spicy sauces—frequently on menus in riverside restaurants and family-run places.
Must-Try!
Seasonal bamboo shoots cooked with local tofu and preserved vegetables; simple, earthy dishes common in local homes and small restaurants.
Assorted preserved and pickled greens used as condiments or side dishes to add tang and balance to rich rice dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Markets near Ceramic History Street and the old kiln areas sell steamed buns, rice noodles, fried snacks and local sweets; they’re the best places for inexpensive, authentic bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show respect when visiting workshops and studios; ask before photographing people and be polite when handling or inspecting pottery. Politeness toward elders is important in everyday interactions.
Bargaining is acceptable at markets and small stalls but be courteous; in galleries or official shops, bargaining is less common.
Handshakes are common for introductions; small, modest gifts can be appreciated when invited to a local home—avoid overly lavish presents that may cause embarrassment.
Safety
Tipping in Jingdezhen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most of China, including Jingdezhen; service charges may appear on hotel bills but small tips in higher-end restaurants or for tour guides are appreciated but not expected.
Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominates local transactions; major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, while small shops, markets, and some studios prefer cash or mobile pay—carry some cash (RMB) and have a mobile-payment option set up if possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild temperatures and budding greenery; expect occasional rain and humid days—good time for studio visits and outdoor exploration before summer heat.
June–August is hot, humid and often rainy (monsoon influence). Afternoon thunderstorms are common; plan indoor activities (museums, workshops) during peak heat and carry water and sun protection.
September–November is generally the most pleasant time: cooler, clearer skies and comfortable humidity—ideal for outdoor photography and day trips to nearby scenic areas.
December–February brings cooler, damp weather with mild daytime temperatures and chilly evenings. Snow is rare; layering is advisable and some rural attractions may have reduced services.
Jingdezhen at Night
Hiking in Jingdezhen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO-recognized Taoist mountain range (a few hours from Jingdezhen) offering granite peaks, forested trails and dramatic views—best visited in autumn or spring.
Scenic walks around Yaoli Ancient Town and nearby river valleys—gentle trails that combine village scenery with small climbs and riverside views.
Rural Jiangxi hills and well-preserved ancient villages are reachable as day trips; excellent for photography, seasonal landscapes and walking among rice terraces and old homes.
Airports
How to reach Jingdezhen by plane.
Local airport serving domestic flights to regional hubs—convenient for direct access to the city.
Major regional airport with more domestic and some international connections; reachable by train or a 2–3 hour drive depending on route.
Another regional airport used by travelers visiting nearby scenic areas; useful as an alternate when combining trips in eastern China.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant community of traditional ceramics workers and studio artists shapes the city’s character.
Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute and art programs attract students and young makers from across China.
The population is predominantly Han Chinese with smaller ethnic minority communities and migrant workers from other provinces.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played and popular across age groups in cities and schools.
Common indoor sports with many local clubs and community courts—easy to find public facilities.
Growing interest in hiking and cycling trips to nearby scenic mountains and countryside, especially among younger locals and visiting artists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jingdezhen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (tofu, vegetable stir-fries, rice and noodle dishes). Ask for '不要肉' (bú yào ròu — no meat) and be aware that broths or sauces may contain meat stock; specifying '清真' is inappropriate unless seeking halal food.
Vegan choices are available but limited; many dishes use soy sauce (contains gluten) or meat stock—carry a translation card to explain restrictions and seek out vegetable-only dishes at markets.
If you have serious allergies, bring a translated card explaining the allergen in Chinese; smaller eateries may have limited ability to accommodate complex dietary needs.