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Jingdezhen

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Jingdezhen is a prefecture-level city located in eastern Jiangxi province, China.

Jdzmap3
Jdzmap3

It is famously known as the "Porcelain Capital" of the world. This title exists because the city has produced high-quality ceramics for at least 1,000 years. For much of that time, the porcelain from this region was considered the finest in China. Today, the city has a total population of 1,669,057 people as of 2018. It serves as a major industrial and commercial hub for the entire province.

The geography of the region helps explain why porcelain production became so successful here. The city center sits in the northeast of the Poyang Lake Plain. To the north, northwest, and northeast, it borders the Anhui province. The landscape includes various elevations, with some southern plains sitting at low altitudes. The area is rich in natural resources like coal, manganese, and lime. Most importantly, it sits near high-quality deposits of kaolin and petuntse.

Porcelain Workshop, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, China
Porcelain Workshop, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, China

To create world-class hard-paste porcelain, craftsmen use a specific chemical process involving two main ingredients. They combine kaolin, a type of white clay, with petuntse, which is also called pottery stone. The name "kaolin" actually comes from a French transcription of a local term. This term was taken from Gaoling, a village in Fuliang County that provided most of the clay. The process requires intense heat from kilns to bake the mixture. Nearby pine forests provide the wood needed to fuel these massive kilns. Rivers also play a role by helping transport the fragile finished wares to other markets.

The history of Jingdezhen stretches back more than 2,000 years. Long ago, the land belonged to the Chu State during the Spring and Autumn period. It later became part of the Qin and Han dynasties. The town was originally called Changnan because it sat on the south bank of the Chang river. In the year 742 CE, the name changed to Fuliang. In 1004, it was renamed Jingdezhen to honor the era name of Emperor Zhenzong of the Song dynasty. This name change marked a turning point for the city's fame.

Porcelain Workshop, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, China
Porcelain Workshop, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, China

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Jingdezhen was one of China's four great commercial towns. It was considered a vital industrial center alongside Foshan, Hankou, and Zhuxian. However, the city faced great destruction during the Taiping Rebellion in 1855. During this conflict, forces destroyed all 9,000 kilns in the city. It took eleven years for the workers to rebuild them by 1866. In the modern era, the city has grown into several administrative divisions. These include the Zhushan and Changjiang districts, Fuliang County, and Leping City.

Jdzmap3
Jdzmap3

While porcelain remains a core identity, the economy of Jingdezhen is now very diverse. In 2018, the city achieved a GDP of 92.611 billion yuan. The secondary sector, which includes manufacturing, accounts for 44.22% of this total. The city is home to the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation. This firm produces helicopters and aircraft parts for companies like Boeing.

Super Frelon 4
Super Frelon 4

Another major company, Changhe Automobile, produces thousands of vehicles each year. The city also produces refrigeration compressors and various agricultural goods. This mix of ancient craft and modern technology keeps the economy moving.

Agriculture also plays a significant role in the local landscape. The region is a major center for rice cultivation, grain, pigs, and cotton. Fuliang County is particularly famous for its large-scale tea plantations. The tea from this area has been recognized for over a thousand years. In 1915, its "Fuhong" brand won a golden prize at an international exposition. Additionally, Leping City is known as the "Vegetable Township of South China." This variety of production ensures the region supports many different types of workers.

YAOLIA
YAOLIA

Jingdezhen connects the ancient past to the modern world through its people and art. The city is a haven for young artists from across China. These creators are often called "Jingpiao." They move to the city because of its deep heritage and relatively low cost of living. Even though it is a modern industrial hub, the spirit of the imperial kilns remains. The city's ability to produce both cheap tableware and expensive art shows its lasting importance. From 14th-century blue and white porcelain to modern helicopters, Jingdezhen continues to evolve.

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