The handmade porcelain craftsmanship of Jingdezhen, known as China’s “Porcelain Capital,” has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea.
The recognition marks China’s 61st World Heritage site listed by UNESCO.
Located in Jiangxi Province, China, Jingdezhen has long been renowned as the global center of porcelain production. The newly recognized heritage site, titled “Jingdezhen Handmade Porcelain Craftsmanship,” represents a traditional porcelain production system that developed and continued from the 10th to the 19th centuries in China.
The designation highlights China’s traditional handmade porcelain-making techniques as well as the innovation and evolution of its porcelain industry over centuries.
The nominated heritage area includes a range of important industrial and cultural sites, including porcelain production facilities, ancient kiln sites, porcelain clay mining areas, and fuel production zones for kilns. Together, these sites demonstrate a complete industrial chain integrating raw material extraction, porcelain firing, fuel supply, and commercial trade.
The designated heritage area covers 1,979 hectares, with an additional 5,544.7-hectare buffer zone established for protection and preservation.
The inclusion of Jingdezhen’s porcelain craftsmanship on the UNESCO list recognizes not only its historical significance but also its enduring contribution to global cultural exchange and the development of ceramic art.
Source: Cai, Alim and Prema, China Media Group (CMG).