Fang Wang
What You'll Find in This Guide
I've been leading small groups through Jingdezhen for 8 years, and I can tell you one thing: most tourists rush to the wrong spots. The classic itinerary isn't about ticking off every museum—it's about feeling the clay, seeing a master shape a vase in 90 seconds, and knowing which dumpling shop locals queue for. Let me walk you through my tried-and-tested 2-day plan.
Day 1: Ancient Kilns & City Center
Morning: Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Museum
Start early. I mean 8:30 AM. The museum opens at 8:30, and the morning light makes the restored Ming and Qing dynasty kilns look magical. Address: 1 Guya Road, Cishan Avenue. Admission is 85 CNY (free for children under 1.2m and seniors over 65). You can buy tickets on-site or via the official WeChat mini-program—but honestly, the queue at the counter is shorter before 9 AM.
My insider tip: Most visitors head straight for the giant “chicken-head” kiln. Instead, walk to the back area where artisans work on wood-fired kilns. You'll see the smoke, hear the crackle, and maybe catch a firing demonstration. No artificial lighting can replicate that.
Plan to spend 2.5 hours here. The site is sprawling; wear comfortable shoes. If you're arriving from the north gate (bus 1, 10, 16 to Cishan stop), you'll pass a small souvenir alley—ignore it until afternoon.
Late Morning: Porcelain Street & a Quick Lunch
Walk 15 minutes east to Porcelain Street (Zhenliang Road). It's a pedestrian lane lined with shops selling everything from mass-produced tea cups to high-end hand-painted vases. Prices are marked, but you can bargain gently if buying multiple pieces. I always tell my group: don't buy anything expensive yet—just explore. Street food calls. Try a batch of Jingdezhen cold rice noodles (liang pi) from a stall near the intersection with Guangchang Road. They're chewy, spicy, and cost only 8 CNY.
Afternoon: Jingdezhen China Museum (Main Building)
From 1 PM to 3:30 PM, dive into the national collection at Jingdezhen China Museum (No.18 Zijing Road). Admission is free, but you must reserve a slot in advance on the “Jingdezhen China Museum” WeChat mini-program. Non-Chinese speakers: ask your hotel front desk to help. The museum holds over 50,000 pieces spanning 2,000 years. Don't miss the Song dynasty qingbai ware—it's so thin you can see light through it.
Heads up: The museum's ground floor hall is air-conditioned to freezing. Bring a light jacket even in summer. Also, the cafe inside sells overpriced instant coffee—better to grab a drink from a vending machine outside.
Evening: Taoxichuan Creative Zone
Sunset is the golden hour for photos at Taoxichuan (No. 150 Xinchang East Road). This converted industrial ceramics factory now houses galleries, studios, and cafes. Entry is free. It gets busy around 7 PM, but the atmosphere is electric. I recommend dinner at Yunli Pottery Restaurant inside the zone—they serve Gan-style clay pot dishes (avg. 60-80 CNY per person). The eggplant with garlic is my go-to. Note: no English menu, but pictures are on the wall. Pay by WeChat or cash; international cards may not work.
Day 2: Workshops, Markets & Departure
Morning: Hands-On Pottery Class at Sanbao International Ceramic Village
No classic itinerary is complete without getting your hands dirty. Drive or take a taxi 20 minutes southeast to Sanbao (Sanbao Road). Many studios offer 1-hour beginner classes (about 120-180 CNY). I suggest Zheng's Studio—the owner, Lao Zheng, speaks enough English to guide you through centering clay. Book a day ahead via phone (0798-8388811) or ask your hotel to call.
Wear old clothes; you will get muddy. The class includes firing and glazing one small piece, but it takes 2 weeks to finish—they can ship it to your home for an extra 50 CNY. Totally worth it.
Late Morning: Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Museum (East Section)
If you skipped the firing demonstration yesterday, catch it here at 11 AM. This second section shows how raw clay is transformed into imperial wares. The ticket covers both sections, so you don't pay again.
Lunch: Local's Choice
Just outside Sanbao, find Xiao Wang Dumpling House (No. 88 Sanbao Road). Their pork and chive dumplings (12 CNY for 12) are legendary. I've seen people order 36 at a time. The place is cramped and loud—that's how you know it's good.
Afternoon: Porcelain Market & Souvenir Hunting
From 2 PM to 4 PM, hit the International Porcelain Market (Zhenliang Road, near the old train station). This is where locals buy dinnerware at wholesale prices. A set of 6 bowls might cost 80-150 CNY. Check for defects: tiny black spots or uneven glazing are common. Bargain hard—start at 60% of the quoted price.
If you have an extra hour: Walk 10 minutes west to Yuanmingyuan Street antique stalls. Most items are reproductions, but you can find charming hand-painted tiles from the 1980s. I once bought a moon-shaped plate for 30 CNY that still sits on my desk.
Departure: Jingdezhen North Station
If you're catching the high-speed train, allow 30 minutes for security. From the city center, take bus 901 (40 minutes) or a taxi (15 minutes, about 30 CNY). The station has a small waiting area with vending machines but no decent restaurants—grab snacks before you arrive.
Where to Stay: Best Areas & Hotels
For a classic itinerary, stay in the Xinchang area near Taoxichuan. It's central, walkable, and full of cafés. Here are three solid options:
| Hotel | Price Range (per night) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taoxichuan Boutique Hotel | 400-700 CNY | Rooftop terrace with kiln view; staff speaks English; Western breakfast | No elevator (3 floors); thin walls |
| Jingdezhen International Youth Hostel | 80-150 CNY (dorm); 250-350 (private) | Central location; free Wi-Fi; luggage storage | Basic rooms; shared bathrooms in dorms; street noise on weekends |
| Pullman Jingdezhen | 600-1000 CNY | 5-star comfort; pool; quiet; concierge helps with ticket bookings | 15-min walk from Taoxichuan; slightly out of the historic core |
My recommendation for solo travelers: the Youth Hostel—it's where you meet other pottery enthusiasts. For couples: the Boutique Hotel has a cozy atmosphere.
Eating Like a Local: Must-Try Dishes
Jingdezhen's food scene is overshadowed by its ceramics, but don't leave without these three:
- Yanshui fish head (steamed with salted chili) – at Old Street Fish Head, 28 Zhenliang Road. 48 CNY. Mouth-numbing spicy.
- Laka fresh (spicy stir-fried snail) – at Fang's Night Snacks, near Guangchang. 25 CNY. You'll learn to pick the meat with a toothpick.
- Qingming cake (glutinous rice with mugwort) – sold by street vendors in spring. 5 CNY each. Sweet and earthy.
Pro tip: most restaurants stop serving lunch by 1:30 PM between 2-5 PM. If you're craving food at 3 PM, look for a mian guan (noodle shop)—they stay open all day.
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