Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area
Nestled in Jiangxi Province, the Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area is China’s premier ceramic cultural heritage site. As the “Porcelain Capital” with 2,000 years of history, it integrates ancient kiln relics, traditional craftsmanship, and folk customs. Designated a 5A-level scenic area and UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site, it offers immersive experiences in porcelain-making, historical exhibits, and live demonstrations of age-old techniques.
Historical Overview
Jingdezhen’s Porcelain industry dates to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE), with imperial kilns established during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE). In 1980, the Expo Area was founded to preserve ceramic heritage, later expanding to include relocated ancient kilns and Ming/Qing-dynasty architecture. In 2009, it earned UNESCO recognition for its living traditions of handmade porcelain and kiln construction. Today, it hosts the world’s largest wood-fired kiln, documented by Guinness World Records.
Structural Layout
The Expo Area spans 83 hectares across four zones:
- Ancient Kiln Exhibition: Features Song Dragon Kiln, Yuan Steamed Bun Kiln, and Qing Zhen Kiln.
- Folk Customs Zone: Includes Qing-dynasty residential compounds, ceramic folk art exhibits, and the Kiln God Temple.
- Artistic Leisure Zone: Offers hands-on pottery workshops, Porcelain Music Pavilion, and modern ceramic art galleries.
- Cultural Commercial Complex: Combines shopping, dining, and exhibitions in a restored Ming-dynasty architectural ensemble.
Major Attractions
- Zhen Kiln: The world’s largest wood-fired kiln, producing imperial-grade porcelain using Qing-dynasty methods.
- Tang Ying Memorial Hall: Dedicated to the legendary imperial kiln supervisor of the Ming Dynasty.
- Porcelain Music Performance: Live concerts featuring instruments crafted from high-fired porcelain.
- Handmade Pottery Workshops: Create your own ceramics under the guidance of master artisans.
- Ancient Residential Compounds: Explore Ming/Qing-era courtyard houses and scholar studios.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3 hours):
Entrance → Ancient Kiln Zone (Dragon/Steamed Bun Kilns) → Handmade Pottery Demo → Zhen Kiln → Exit
Highlights: Live kiln-firing demonstrations and basic pottery-making. - Cultural Route (4–5 hours):
Add Folk Customs Zone (Qing-dynasty architecture, Kiln God Temple) and Porcelain Music Performance. - Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Include Artistic Leisure Zone (workshops, modern galleries) and Cultural Commercial Complex (shopping, dining).
Ticket Purchase
- Full Ticket: ¥85 (peak season: Apr–Oct), ¥45 (off-season: Nov–Mar).
- Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.
- Book via official site (www.chinaguyao.com) or WeChat.
- From Jingdezhen City: Take Bus 1, 6, 9, 11, 16, or 303 to Fengshushan Station.
- Self-Drive: Follow G56 Expressway to Guyao Road Exit.
- Parking: 1,000+ spaces available (¥10/hour).
Best Time & Tips
- Ideal Seasons: spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Oct–Nov) for mild weather.
- Essentials:
- Wear closed-toe shoes for workshop tours.
- Bring a notebook for artisan-led pottery classes.
- Photography allowed except in ritual areas.
- Prohibited Items: Drones, loudspeakers, and open flames.
- Cultural Note: Bow slightly when entering temples or artisan studios as a sign of respect.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
