China Ceramics Museum

Historical Overview

Jingdezhen’s ceramic tradition dates to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), but it flourished under the Song Dynasty (960–1279), when blue-and-white porcelain was invented. During the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, imperial kilns produced exquisite wares for emperors, including the Yuan Dynasty’s "ghost-face blue-and-white" vases. The museum’s archives document techniques like "eggshell porcelain" and " famille-rose" enameling. In the 20th century, artists like Wang Xiliang revitalized Traditional Crafts, blending heritage with modernity.

Structural Layout

The museum is organized thematically across four floors:

Ground Floor:Prehistoric to Tang Dynasty: Neolithic pottery, Han Dynasty green-glazed ware, and Tang Sancai tomb figurines.

First Floor:Song to Yuan Dynasties: Qingbai porcelain, Jun ware, and the birth of blue-and-white ceramics.

Second Floor:Ming to Qing Dynasties: Imperial porcelain from the Jingdezhen imperial kilns, including Xuande-era blue-and-white plates and Yongzheng-era famille-rose vases.

Third Floor:Republic of China to Contemporary: Modern innovations, experimental glazes, and international collaborations.

Major Attractions

Blue-and-White Porcelain Hall:A 14th-century Yuan Dynasty vase with cobalt-blue dragon motIFS, symbolizing imperial power.

Imperial Kiln Relics:A Ming-era kiln model and shards showing "kiln transformation" glaze effects.

"Eggshell Porcelain" Display:Delicate Qing Dynasty tea cups (0.5mm thick) that emit a musical tone when tapped.

Contemporary Ceramics Gallery:A 6-meter-high ceramic mural by artist Zhu Leqi and AI-generated glaze pattern experiments.

Interactive Kiln Workshop:Visitors can try throwing pottery and design digital glaze patterns.

Maritime Silk Road Ceramics:15th-century porcelain fragments excavated from shipwrecks off Southeast Asia.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Route (2–3 Hours):

Main Entrance → Blue-and-White Porcelain Hall → Ming-Qing Imperial Kiln Relics → Maritime Silk Road Display → Exit via Gift Shop.

Highlights: Iconic blue-and-white ware and imperial porcelain.

Extended Route (4–5 Hours):

Floor 1: Song-Yuan Ceramics → Floor 2: Ming-Qing Imperial Kilns → Floor 3: Modern Ceramics → Interactive Workshop → Rooftop Garden (overlooking Jingdezhen’s skyline).

Highlights: Historical depth plus hands-on experience.

Comprehensive Route (Full Day):

Morning: Classic Route → Lunch at the museum café.

Afternoon: Extended Route + Special Exhibitions (e.g., "Glaze Innovation in the 21st Century").

Highlights: Full immersion in China’s ceramic timeline, from antiquity to avant-garde.

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via the official WeChat account "景德镇中国陶瓷博物馆" (Jingdezhen China Ceramics Museum) or Ctrip (up to 3 days in advance).

On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; e-tickets scanned via QR code.

Prices:

Adults: ¥50 (peak season), ¥30 (off-season).

Students/Seniors: ¥25 (peak), ¥15 (off-season).

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.

Guided Tours: ¥100 (2 hours, English available with advance booking).

Transportation

High-Speed Rail:To Jingdezhen North Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride to the museum.

Bus:Direct buses from NAnchang (2 hours) or Shanghai (5 hours) to Jingdezhen Bus Station.

Car:Drive to the museum’s underground parking lot (free for visitors).

On-Foot (Jingdezhen City):The museum is 15 minutes from Taoxichuan Ceramic Art District by foot.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Seasons:Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather.

Avoid Chinese National Day (October 1–7) and summer weekends.

Avoid Crowds: Visit on weekdays or early mornings (9:00 AM opening).

Essentials:

Wear comfortable shoes (the museum spans four floors).

Bring a water bottle (refill stations available).

Photography allowed (no flash in special exhibition areas).

Prohibited: Food, drinks (except in designated café areas), and tripods.