Imperial Kiln Museum

Introducing Imperial Kiln Museum

The Imperial Kiln Museum is located in the ruins of the Imperial Kiln Factory in Zhushan District, Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province. It is a special museum with the ruins of the Imperial Kiln of Ming and Qing Dynasties as its core, showcasing the thousand-year history of porcelain making in Jingdezhen.

This site was once the site where porcelain for the imperial courts of the Ming and Qing dynasties was produced, earning it the nickname "The Heart of the Porcelain Capital." Designed by renowned architect Zhu Pei, the museum's red brick arched structure, inspired by kilns, seamlessly blends in with the site's surroundings. Awarded one of the "Top Ten Museums and Art Galleries in the World in 2020," the museum houses a vast collection of precious porcelain unearthed from the imperial kiln site, including rare treasures such as Yongle blue and white porcelain, Xuande doucai porcelain, and Chenghua chicken-glazed cups. It is a must-see for porcelain enthusiasts and history and culture buffs.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Must-see attractions and experiences
include the Imperial Kiln Ruins Exhibition Area, the core area of ​​the Ming and Qing imperial kilns, featuring stunning kiln remains and archaeological sites.
The Porcelain Treasures Exhibition showcases imperial porcelain pieces such as Yongle Blue and White and Xuande Doucai, showcasing the pinnacle of ancient porcelain craftsmanship.
The Dragon Ball Pavilion, a landmark building of the Imperial Kiln Factory, offers panoramic views of Jingdezhen.
The Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative District is a hub for modern ceramic art, perfect for photography and shopping.

The Imperial Kiln Museum not only allows you to appreciate the cultural treasures of the thousand-year-old porcelain capital, but also allows you to deeply experience the charm of Jingdezhen's porcelain making through surrounding attractions and experience activities.

Tickets

Adult ticket: 50 yuan/person.
Discounts: Seniors over 60 years old and students with a voucher are half-price; children under 1.2 meters tall, seniors over 70 years old, active military personnel, and people with disabilities are free.

Attraction opening hours

Peak Season (April-October): 08:00-17:30 (last admission at 16:30).
Low Season (November-March): 08:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:00).

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Most Popular FAQs for Imperial Kiln Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum is located in Jingdezhen, often called China’s “Porcelain Capital” for its centuries-old role in producing ceramics for imperial courts. The museum is built on or beside the royal kiln sites and preserves artefacts, kiln remains and ceramic culture. The museum’s artifacts include Ming dynasty official‐kiln porcelain unearthed from the Zhushan site, making it a major centre for ceramic archaeology and study.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The museum is located at No. 187 (or No. 169) Zhushan Middle Road, Zhushan District, Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province, China. To get there:

• From Jingdezhen train station: take a local bus (e.g., Bus No. 33 or 35) to “Imperial Kiln National Archaeological Site Park” or “Taoyangli Imperial Kiln Scenic Area” stop, then walk a few minutes.
• By taxi from city centre directly to the museum address; parking and drop-off available.
• Once inside the site/park the museum is walkable; plan enough walking between buildings.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from approximately 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry around 21:30). It is closed on Mondays (except Chinese statutory holidays). The best time to visit is late afternoon into early evening, as the lighting enhances the architecture and fewer tour groups may be present. Visiting near closing can yield dramatic photos.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The adult admission fee is about ¥ 53 RMB, which covers the museum plus the Taoyangli scenic area ticket in which the museum sits. Discounted tickets (for seniors/children) around ¥ 26 RMB. Tickets can be purchased online via platforms (Trip.com etc.) or on-site at the ticket booth. Overseas visitors should check if online booking is required.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

While some visitors purchase on arrival, booking ahead is recommended especially for peak times or foreign travel, since tickets may sell out or require advance reservation via WeChat/mini-programs. If booking, aim at least 1-2 days ahead; during major ceramic fairs or holidays a week ahead may be prudent.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan about 2-3 hours to view the main museum exhibition halls. If you also explore the surrounding imperial kiln site park and the Taoyangli cultural district, allow half a day (3-4 hours) or more.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Highlights include:

• The exhibition of official-kiln porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including jars, vessels, and rare finds.
• The museum’s architecture itself – the red-brick hyperbolic arches inspired by wood-fired kilns are a photographic and design spectacle.
• The night illumination and exterior views of the museum complex when lights come on after dusk.
• The outdoor archaeological site park adjacent to the museum, showing kiln remains, workshops and historic kiln streets.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours and interpretation services are available. Many are in Chinese; for English or other languages you may need to check in advance or hire a separate guide. Some online visitor reviews suggest English info may be limited, so bring a translation app if needed.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Top photo spots:

• The exterior façade of the museum during blue hour (sunset-dusk) when the red‐brick arches are lit.
• The interior vaulted ceilings and arch forms inside exhibition halls.
• The outdoor site park at dusk, especially vantage points overlooking the museum complex with surrounding historic kiln structures.

Bring a wide-angle lens if you have one to capture the architecture. Arrive before dusk for best light.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A recommended route:

• Enter museum and head first to the main exhibition hall of imperial kiln porcelain.
• Proceed to the architectural gallery/space to appreciate the building design.
• Then move outside to the kiln site park and Taoyangli area for the archaeological context and photo stops.
• Finish with the museum shop and perhaps a café for rest.

Arrive in the afternoon so you can capture exterior views at dusk.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes – the museum is open until around 22:00 and the exterior lighting makes for a dramatic evening visit. Though there are no major scheduled “light show” promotions noted in all reviews, the architecture itself and ambient lighting are a draw. Visiting after sunset is highly recommended.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum can become busy especially on weekends and during ceramic-fair periods in Jingdezhen. For fewer crowds, visit on a weekday afternoon or evening, and avoid Chinese public holidays. Early opening (9:00 AM) also helps.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include: restrooms, a museum shop with ceramic merchandise and souvenirs, possibly a café or snack area nearby in the Taoyangli / kiln site park complex. Some walking between areas; bring water if exploring outdoors.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes – the main museum halls are accessible and suitable for children and older visitors. However, the adjacent archaeological site park may involve outdoor walking, uneven paths, and steps; those needing mobility assistance should check routes or focus on the indoor museum.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) and Chinese bank cards are widely accepted for ticket purchase and shop payments. Foreign cards may sometimes have limitations; having some cash (RMB) or ensuring your payment option works is wise.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Yes — the Taoyangli cultural district and the area around the museum have cafés and small restaurants, many catering to visitors. Also Jingdezhen city centre (a short ride) offers a wider selection of local cuisine.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are generally available in the visitor district cafés or city centre restaurants. Halal options may be limited; if you require halal certification, it’s advisable to check with the restaurant in advance or stay in Jingdezhen city where more variety is available.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Yes — there are hotels in Jingdezhen city and within or near the Taoyangli / kiln site area. Staying near Zhushan District or Taoyangli convenience is recommended if you wish to visit early or stay late for night views.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

You can combine the museum visit with:

• China Ceramics Museum — another major ceramic‐history museum in Jingdezhen.
• The historic kiln site park adjacent to the museum, showing original kiln remains.
• The creative/design district of Taoxichuan, antique porcelain markets and artisan workshops for a more immersive ceramic experience.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes — the museum shop and nearby design markets offer ceramic-themed souvenirs: small porcelain vessels, blue-and-white bowls/cups, art-ceramic pieces, books about kiln culture, and decorative items. Prices vary widely as some are artisan pieces.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After your visit you can:

• Take a taxi or ride-share back to Jingdezhen train station or your hotel.
• Use local buses from the museum area to other sights in Jingdezhen (creative districts, markets).
• If travelling further, catch a high-speed train from Jingdezhen to nearby cities (e.g., Huangshan or Nanchang) and plan accordingly.