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Jiangxi's Jingdezhen: A Porcelain Journey

The Secrets of Chinese Porcelain: Inside Jiangxi's Ancient Villages

Destination:ChinaProvince:JiangxiCity:Jingdezhen
The Secrets of Chinese Porcelain: Inside Jiangxi's Ancient Villages
Expat Natt14 min

The Secrets of Chinese Porcelain: Inside. This was filmed by Expat Natt. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

From mud to masterpiece, join us this week as we uncover the history of chinese porcelain, aka 'fine china'. Jiangxi province is home to the historic city of Jingdezhen, which played a major role in china's porcelain trade. The ceramic wares of this region made china famous during the silk road trade and were believed to be made with magic by europeans. The production of Jiangxi's ceramics were so influential, that they were even named 'fine china', meaning the fine wares which were made in China. We start our adventures by searching for the abandoned mountain mines which were home to the white clay, Kaolin, that first made this region world renowned. We then head over to the ancient village of Yaoli to see the influence of the porcelain industry and it's rich history which paved the path of the stunning pots and cermaic wares we see today. We search for ancient kiln sites in the surrounding countryside, and then head back into Jingdezhen city to see the remains of the incredible kilns that made the porcelain production come to life. Watch as artists hand mould, carve, and paint the breathtaking and intricate designs of cobalt blue on white clay. We even head to Sanbao International Ceramic Village to paint our own plates, and of course discover the mouthwatering local cuisine. Finally we venture into the local chinese night markets where local artists sell their bowls, vases, and china tea sets.

--- Expat Natt
April 20, 2025, Spring in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Expat Natt explores Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, tracing porcelain from kaolin mines and Yaoli, where the clay and original glazes came from, to kiln sites and modern workshops. The video follows clay preparation, molding, drying, firing in saggars, and decoration, with up to 72 artists contributing to one bowl. It also visits Sanbao International Ceramic Village, where artists continue the craft, and a night market selling locally made ceramics. The story links the region's history to the phrase fine china and the international reputation of Jingdezhen porcelain.

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The Secrets of Chinese Porcelain: Inside Jiangxi's Ancient Villages

Clay, Yaoli, and Jingdezhen's kiln history

Expat Natt travels through Jiangxi to explore Jingdezhen, known as the world's porcelain capital. The journey begins at kaolin mines in Gowling village, where the prized white clay used for porcelain was found. Yaoli is described as the original town for the kaolin clay and the place where the original glazes were made. The video connects this landscape with porcelain production dating back to the Tang Dynasty and notes that waterways helped transport raw materials and finished wares.

The search for ancient kilns has mixed results: some sites are obscured by modern construction, while broken pottery fragments near a river point to the area's long production history. In Jingdezhen, Expat Natt visits the Cayang Lee excavation site and sees remains of ancient kilns. One site is associated with the discovery of one of the famed seven chicken cups. The account describes how the city became known for fine china, a name linked to the quality and worldwide reputation of Jingdezhen porcelain. Europeans once believed the craft was produced by magic.

Making and decorating porcelain

The video follows the process from clay preparation to firing. Artists beat clay bricks to make the material malleable, then shape pieces on wheels or mold them by hand. The pieces dry before being loaded into saggars for firing. Kiln temperatures can reach 1400°C, a level the source says other countries had not matched at the time. Decoration includes intricate hand-painted designs. Up to 72 artists may contribute to one bowl, with each person specializing in a different part of the process.

Expat Natt visits Sanbao International Ceramic Village, a traditional artistic colony with ceramic workshops, resident artists, and galleries. Modern artisans continue porcelain traditions there, and Natt tries painting a ceramic plate. The final stop is Jingdezhen's night market, where local makers sell ceramic wares at accessible prices. The visit also includes local food, such as a spicy beef dish and fried mulberry leaves. From the clay source and old kiln sites to contemporary workshops and the market, the route shows both the history and working craft behind Jingdezhen porcelain.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: Where did the kaolin clay and original glazes come from?
A: The video visits kaolin mines in Gowling village and describes Yaoli as the original town for the clay used in Jingdezhen porcelain and for its original glazes.
Q: How is porcelain shaped and fired?
A: Artists beat clay bricks until the clay is malleable, then shape it on a wheel or by hand. Pieces dry before being loaded into saggars for firing, at temperatures that can reach 1400°C.
Q: How many people may work on one porcelain bowl?
A: The video says up to 72 artists can contribute to one bowl, with each artist specializing in a different part of the process.
Q: What can visitors see at Sanbao Ceramic Village?
A: Sanbao International Ceramic Village has ceramic workshops, resident artists, and galleries. Expat Natt visits the colony and tries painting a ceramic plate.
Q: What is sold at Jingdezhen's night market?
A: The night market sells locally crafted ceramic wares. The video also samples local food, including a spicy beef dish and fried mulberry leaves.

Previous travel video:

Jiangxi's Jingdezhen: A Porcelain Journey

From mud to masterpiece, join us this week as we uncover the history of chinese porcelain, aka 'fine china'. Jiangxi province is home to the historic city of Jingdezhen, which played a major role in china's porcelain trade. The ceramic wares of this region made china famous during the silk road trade...

Jiangxi Porcelain: Jingdezhen's Ancient Kilns & Modern Art

Embark on a captivating journey through Jiangxi province, China, to uncover the secrets of Chinese porcelain. Explore abandoned mountain mines yielding the prized Kaolin clay, the foundation of Jingdezhen's renowned ceramics. Journey to the ancient village of Yaoli, witnessing the enduring legacy of porcelain artistry. Discover ancient kiln sites and marvel at the intricate artistry of hand-moulded, carved, and painted porcelain. Experience the vibrant Sanbao International Ceramic Village, even creating your own masterpiece. Indulge in local cuisine and browse the treasures of Jingdezhen's night markets, where local artists showcase their exquisite creations. This documentary-style video reveals the rich history and artistry behind the world-famous 'fine china'.

Attractions in this video: Kaolin Mines, Ancient Kilns, Cayang Lee Excavation Site, Sanbao International Ceramic Village