Jingdezhen takes the spotlight as international ceramics expo opens

Zhang Chonghe, president of the China National Light Industry Council, notes that the council is helping Jingdezhen to cultivate innovative industrial clusters, integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern design, and expand the application of ceramics in high-end fields such as aerospace and biomedicine.

"Today, new business models that combine ceramics with cultural products, digital technology and tourism are emerging in Jingdezhen," Zhang says. "Creative districts are thriving and traditional manufacturing is accelerating its transformation into modern industry."

Inaugurated in 2004, the expo has grown into a key platform for international cultural exchange, ceramics trade and global industry investment.

Last year, Jingdezhen's ceramics industry reported an output value of more than 93 billion yuan ($13.1 billion), marking annual growth exceeding 9 percent, with products exported to more than 80 countries and regions.

Jingdezhen has a ceramics history spanning more than 2,000 years. The history of its porcelain offers an early example of a globalized commodity. For centuries, Jingdezhen has provided clients in Europe and beyond with custom-made dinnerware and decorative wares based on samples.

To date, the city has established partnership ties with over 180 cities in 72 countries, deepening its international cultural links further.

"When you get to experience this remarkable heritage site — so emblematic of the image of China many have around the world — one of the first associations is always fine porcelain," says the Croatian ambassador to China, Dario Mihelin, who also praises Jingdezhen's openness to ceramic artists from around the world.

French artist Boris Grisot attends an art fair in Jingdezhen. This time around, he has brought a recreation of an ancient French instrument, made using Chinese clay — a fusion of Eastern and Western traditions.

"I'm happy to make a new connection with different cultures," he says.