Jingdezhen: An Artistic Journey

This three-day, two-night trip to Jingdezhen gave me a deeper understanding of the "Porcelain Capital." Initially, I thought it would just involve visiting museums and buying ceramics, but after exploring the city, I discovered that Jingdezhen's charm far exceeded my expectations. On the first day, we headed straight to the Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative District upon arrival. The area combines old factory buildings with modern design, preserving historical traces while showcasing the creativity of young artists. I particularly loved the small pottery studios, where each piece seemed to have a soul, quietly telling the story of its creator. On the second day, we participated in a pottery-making workshop, learning how to shape clay and apply glaze from scratch. Although the final product wasn't perfect, it was the most fulfilling part of the trip for me. Watching my creation take shape, I gained an appreciation for the challenges and joys of handmade craftsmanship. In the afternoon, we visited Yaoli Ancient Town, surrounded by mountains and rivers with serene scenery. Walking along the ancient paths felt like stepping back hundreds of years into a ceramic town of the past. The third day was more relaxed, as we strolled through art studios in Sanbao Village, admiring the works of modern ceramic artists. I ended the trip by purchasing some teaware and cups as souvenirs and gifts for my family. Overall, this journey not only taught me a lot about ceramics but also allowed me to experience the cultural richness and vitality of Jingdezhen. It doesn't feel like an overly commercialized tourist city but rather a living cultural vessel. If I have the chance in the future, I would love to return and slowly uncover more stories from this land.