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Explore the rich history and artistry of Dehua ceramics through various exhibits. Watch live demonstrations by skilled artisans creating traditional porcelain pieces. Purchase unique ceramic items from the museum's shop, which include fine porcelain figurines and tableware.
Dehua County Ceramics Museum is the first professional ceramics museum in Fujian Province with complete information. It is an important window for Dehua County to promote ceramic culture, display exquisite ceramic craftsmanship and long ceramic history.
Dehua porcelain is a shining pearl of China. Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress personally inscribed, "Famous Dehua Porcelain, a Pearl of China," highly praising Dehua's prominent role in Chinese ceramics history. With the reform and opening up of the country, the ancient porcelain capital has regained its glory and been named the "Hometown of Chinese Ceramics." Dehua's porcelain production has a long history, renowned both domestically and internationally, and has profoundly influenced the development of the ceramics industry both domestically and internationally.
Ceramics production has been ongoing in Dehua since the Neolithic Age. Ceramics monographs appeared in the late Tang and Five Dynasties. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, Dehua kilns' celadon, blue-white, black, and white glazes were sold abroad. During the Ming Dynasty, the unique ivory-white porcelain earned the reputation of "Chinese White" and "the Pearl of the International Porcelain World." Porcelain sculpture, exemplified by He Chaozong, reached the pinnacle of ancient craftsmanship and technology, setting a precedent for future generations.
The museum is located in Tangzhaishan Forest Park, adjacent to the Ceramics Institute, in a subtropical monsoon climate. It covers an area of 82 mu (approximately 1.6 acres) and has a 5,700m² building. The two-story, frame-structured, antique-style building is suitable for year-round enjoyment.
The museum currently houses over 5,000 pieces of porcelain. The first-floor lobby features a 13-meter-long, 2.6-meter-wide high-relief mural composed of 520 pieces of Dehua white porcelain. The three exhibition halls on the first floor of the museum feature a permanent exhibition, "A History of Dehua Ceramics." This exhibition, centered around historical development, systematically depicts the development and achievements of Dehua County porcelain from ancient times to the present. The exhibition is divided into seven sections: "Suitable Soil and Water for Porcelain, Millennia of Kiln Smoke," "Song and Yuan Dynasty Porcelain: Emerging Prominence," "Ming Dynasty White Porcelain: Unique," "Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain: Poetic and Picturesque," "Maritime Silk Road Porcelain Road: Renowned Throughout the World," "Republic of China Porcelain: Inheriting Tradition," and "Pearl of the Porcelain Country: A Hundred Flowers Blooming." The exhibition fully showcases the artistic and technological characteristics of Dehua ceramics, their trade status, and their cultural significance. It also illuminates the historical significance and role of the Dehua kilns and reflects the diligence, wisdom, and pioneering spirit of the people of the Porcelain Capital.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
8:30-17:00
Dehua County is renowned for its long tradition in porcelain production, especially white porcelain, which has been celebrated for centuries. The Dehua County Ceramics Museum showcases the history and craftsmanship of local ceramics, highlighting Dehua's significant contribution to China's ceramic industry.
The museum is located in Dehua County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. You can take a taxi from Dehua's city center, or use local buses. The museum is well-signposted, and walking is also an option for those staying nearby.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays in the morning when it is less crowded, particularly during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant.
The entrance fee is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be bought on-site at the museum entrance, or sometimes through local online platforms.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance unless you are visiting during a major holiday or special event. In such cases, booking at least a few days ahead is recommended.
Allow about 1-2 hours to explore the museum thoroughly, especially if you're interested in the history and the live demonstrations of ceramic-making.
The must-see highlights include the collection of ancient porcelain pieces, live ceramic-making demonstrations, and interactive displays showcasing the history and techniques of Dehua porcelain production.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available for rent, though they are typically offered in Chinese. English-speaking tours may be available during peak seasons or with prior arrangement.
The museum's courtyard and displays of porcelain sculptures offer excellent photography opportunities. The live demonstrations of ceramics-making also make for dynamic photo moments.
Start by exploring the main exhibit rooms to get an understanding of Dehua’s porcelain history, then head to the live demonstration area to witness artisans at work. Finish by visiting the museum shop for souvenirs.
Night visits or light shows are not available at the Dehua County Ceramics Museum. Special tours or events may occur during local festivals, but it is best to check ahead of time.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons (spring and fall).
The museum has clean toilets, a small café, and a gift shop selling ceramic souvenirs. Water stations are also available for visitors.
The museum is accessible for most visitors, with wheelchair-friendly pathways. However, elderly visitors and children should be cautious when navigating the exhibit areas, as some displays may require climbing stairs or walking through uneven surfaces.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely used, making it easier for international visitors to pay.
There are a few local restaurants nearby serving traditional Fujian cuisine. You can try dishes such as rice noodles, seafood, and local delicacies. The museum itself has a small café with light refreshments.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, but halal food may be less common in this area. It's best to check with local eateries in advance.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels near the museum, including options like Dehua Hotel. For a more upscale stay, consider hotels in Quanzhou, which is about 40 minutes away by car.
Nearby attractions include the Dehua Ancient Kiln Site and the Hekeng Village. These sites are within an hour's drive, making them perfect for a day trip that combines culture, history, and nature.
Yes, there are souvenir shops inside the museum that sell fine Dehua porcelain, including figurines, teacups, and decorative plates. These make excellent keepsakes from your visit.
After visiting the museum, you can take a taxi or bus to the nearby city of Quanzhou. From there, you can explore other attractions or take trains or buses to different parts of Fujian province or beyond.
