Jingdezhen, known as the “Porcelain Capital” of China, is a city steeped in over a thousand years of ceramic history. Renowned for its exquisite porcelain craftsmanship, it has become a mecca for both art lovers and those interested in Chinese cultural heritage. Located just a short distance from Nanchang, Jingdezhen makes for a perfect one-day trip, offering a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern creativity. Whether you’re exploring its world-famous ceramic museums, wandering through artistic districts, or sampling local street food, a day in this city is an immersive experience in the art and culture of ceramics.
Transportation: Getting to Jingdezhen from Nanchang
By High-Speed Train: Traveling by high-speed train (HSR) is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Jingdezhen from Nanchang. Trains run frequently from early morning until 10 PM, ensuring flexibility for your schedule. The journey typically takes from one to two hours.
By Taxi in Jingdezhen: Once you arrive in Jingdezhen, getting around the city is easy, as most attractions are relatively close to each other. Taxis are affordable, with most trips within the city costing around 10 RMB.
Suggested Itinerary for the Day
Morning: Cultural Exploration and Museums
- 7:20 AM – Arrive at Jingdezhen North Station
After arriving at Jingdezhen North Station, take a taxi to the Ceramic Museum. Exit the station and head towards the taxi stand. You’ll find a designated pickup area in Parking Lot E, and the museum is just a short ride away. - 9:10 AM – Ceramic Museum (陶瓷博物馆)
The Ceramic Museum is the perfect starting point for understanding the city’s rich porcelain history. Begin your visit on the second floor and take the elevator to the sixth floor to admire the “Silent Buddha.” Then, explore the exhibitions chronologically from the Republic of China to the Ming, Yuan, Song, Sui, Tang, and Northern and Southern Dynasties. Don’t forget to store your luggage on the second floor before heading down to the first floor for the Cultural and Creative Exhibition Hall. Spend about 1 hour at the museum. - 10:30 AM – Imperial Kiln Museum (御窑博物馆)
After the Ceramic Museum, head to the Imperial Kiln Museum. The museum’s architecture is artistic, showcasing many porcelain production sites. It might not appeal to everyone, especially if you’re not interested in porcelain production, but it’s a great spot for photography. For the best pictures, it’s recommended to visit after 8:30 AM, when the night view is especially stunning. The museum area has limited shaded spots, so be sure to bring an umbrella.
Lunch: Local Delicacies and Snacks
- 11:40 AM – Fuzhou Lane (抚州弄)
After your museum visits, head to Fuzhou Lane for a taste of Jingdezhen’s street food. Some must-try dishes include Fan’s Beef Bone Powder (樊氏牛骨粉), Zhang Ji’s Pastry (张记烧饼), Grandma’s Juicy Pastry (外婆家爆汁烧饼), Fuzhou-Style Fried Dough Sticks (抚州口弄油条), and other local snacks. The average cost per person is around 25 RMB, making it an affordable and delicious lunch stop.
Afternoon: Ceramic Art and Shopping
- 12:30 PM – Tao Xi Chuan Area (陶溪川)
After lunch, make your way to Tao Xi Chuan (陶溪川), a vibrant arts district filled with ceramic stores, cafés, and galleries. It’s a great place to explore if you want to see Jingdezhen’s modern ceramic arts scene. However, be mindful that the ceramic items here can be expensive, so it’s not necessary to stay too long. - 12:30 PM – Sculpture Porcelain Factory (雕塑瓷厂)
Take a taxi to the Sculpture Porcelain Factory’s north gate. From there, you can walk down to the south gate, enjoying the various galleries and shops along the way. Explore both the main roads and smaller alleys for a full experience of the local art scene. Some great spots to check out include NieNie Park, Amicizia, Méi Yán Suo (每盐所), and Lán Pi Coffee (蓝门咖啡). It’s a wonderful place for leisurely strolling and photography. - 3:30 PM – Sanbao Village (三宝村)
For the late afternoon, head to Sanbao Village (三宝村), a charming village that is perfect for photography lovers. Renting an electric bike (30 RMB/day) is recommended to explore the village more conveniently. Once there, you can visit the 9494 Aesthetic Space (9494美学空间) for some photo opportunities, as well as Sanbao Theatre, Not Earth Art Store, and other creative art spaces. Be sure to also check out Sanbao Pottery Village (三宝陶艺村) where you can buy ceramic pieces.
Evening: Shopping and Relaxing
- 7:00 PM – Tao Yang New Village (陶阳新村)
End your day at Tao Yang New Village, known for having some of the most affordable ceramic products in Jingdezhen. If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is the perfect place to shop. You’ll find many similar items across the shops, so take your time to compare prices. - 8:30 PM – Departure from Jingdezhen
After a fulfilling day, take a taxi to the train station and catch your train back to Nanchang, departing at 8:30 PM.