Yaoli Ancient Town

Historical Overview
Ceramic production began here in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), with workshops supplying early Porcelain to imperial courts. The town formally established in the late Western Han Dynasty, Yaoli flourished during the Ming-Qing eras as a commercial hub. In 2009, it earned dual recognition as a national cultural heritage site and mine park. Notable figures include Chen Yi, a revolutionary general who resided here during the 1940s.

Structural Layout
The town spans 1,200 hectares, divided into five zones:

1. Porcelain-tea Town Center: The historic core along the Yaohe River, featuring Ming-Qing commercial streets and Hui-style residences.
2. Raonan Ceramic Theme Park: Showcases ancient kiln relics and ceramic-making processes.
3. Wanghu Ecological Area: Lush valleys with waterfalls and bamboo forests.
4. Gaoling Mine Park: Original kaolin clay mining sites.
5. Dongbu Ancient Street: Well-preserved Qing Dynasty shops and docks.

Key landmarks include the Lion Hill Pavilion and the Meridian Gate-style entrance to the ceramic museum.

Major Attractions

1. Ming-Qing Commercial Street: A 1km-long artery lined with wooden shops, ancestral halls, and a 14th-century opera stage.
2. Cheng’s Ancestral Hall: A Qing Dynasty courtyard complex with intricate woodcarvings.
3. Shigang Shenglan: A Ming Dynasty villa blending Hui-style architecture and garden design.
4. Yaoli Ceramic Museum: Traces porcelain history from Tang kilns to modern crafts.
5. Wanghu Waterfall: A 60m cascade surrounded by primeval forests.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   Entrance → Ming-Qing Street → Cheng’s Ancestral Hall → Shigang Shenglan → Ceramic Museum → Exit
   Highlights: Architectural grandeur and ceramic history.
2. Cultural Route (4–5 hours):
   Add Raonan Kiln Site and traditional pottery-making demonstrations.
3. Eco-Cultural Route (Full Day):
   Include Wanghu Waterfall hike, Gaoling Mine exploration, and Dongbu Ancient Street photography.

Ticket Purchase

• 5-Site Combo Ticket: ¥110 (valid 2 days). Covers Ceramic Museum, Raonan Park, Wanghu Area, Gaoling Mine, and Dongbu Street.
• Single Sites: ¥15–¥30 each.
• Discounts: 50% off for students/seniors; free for children under 1.2m.
• Purchase at the gate or via Trip.com.

Transportation

• From Jingdezhen City:
  • Bus: Take Route 7 from Jingdezhen South Station (¥15, 1.5 hours).
  • Taxi: ¥120–¥150, 50-minute drive.
• Self-Drive: Follow G56 Expressway to Yaoli Exit.
• Parking: 500+ spaces at the main gate (¥10/hour).

Best Time & Tips

• Ideal Seasons: April–June (azalea blooms) and September–November (mild weather).
• Essentials:
  • Wear sturdy shoes for cobblestone streets and mountain trails.
  • Bring a reusable bottle for natural spring water.
  • Photography allowed except in sacred temples.
• Prohibited Items: Drones, loudspeakers, and open flames.
• Cultural Note: Bow slightly when entering ancestral halls as a sign of respect.