Live Your Best Lives
Explore the Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area to witness traditional Chinese pottery making, see historical kilns in action, and learn about the city's heritage in ceramic craftsmanship. You can also purchase handcrafted pottery and explore exhibits related to the long history of Jingdezhen as the "Porcelain Capital" of China.
The Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area is located in Panlonggang, Fengshu Mountain, Changjiang District, Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province, covering an area of 83 hectares. It is a cultural tourism scenic spot integrating cultural expo, ceramic experience, entertainment and leisure. It is the only national-level tourist attraction in the country with ceramic culture as its theme.
The Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln and Folk Customs Expo Area features three main attractions: the Ancient Kiln Exhibition Area, the Ceramic Folk Customs Exhibition Area, and the Waterfront Street Creative Recreation Area. In April 2013, the Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln and Folk Customs Expo Area was awarded the honorary title of "National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction."
The scenic area is divided into three major areas: the ancient kiln display area, the ceramic folk display area, and the waterfront street creative rest area.
The ancient kiln display area includes ancient porcelain workshops, the world's oldest porcelain production line, the Qing Dynasty Zhen Kiln, the Ming Dynasty Hulu Kiln, the Yuan Dynasty Mantou Kiln, the Song Dynasty Dragon Kiln, Fenghuo Xianshi Temple, porcelain shops and other attractions, as well as the process of handmade porcelain making in Jingdezhen during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and traditional famous porcelain products.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for travel in any season.
Yuan Dynasty Mantou Kiln
The Mantou Kiln is a typical porcelain kiln used in Jingdezhen during the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. It is named after its shape, which resembles a steamed bun. Some Mantou Kilns have horseshoe-shaped kiln beds, hence the name Horseshoe Kiln.
Song Dynasty Dragon Kiln
Dragon kilns are a type of traditional Chinese ceramic kiln. Built along the slope of a mountain, they are named for their dragon-like shape. Dragon kilns have a simple structure consisting of a head, a bed, and a tail. They typically use straw and branches as fuel. They are inexpensive, have a large firing capacity, and utilize waste heat. Their construction utilizes the natural slopes, creating a strong flame draft and creating a reducing atmosphere suitable for firing celadon and shadow blue porcelain.
Ming Dynasty Gourd Kiln
Gourd Kiln, short for the gourd-shaped wood-fired porcelain kilns of Jingdezhen, is a unique kiln type in Jingdezhen. It first appeared in the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty, and gradually fell out of use with the emergence of egg-shaped kilns (Zhen Kilns) in the early Qing Dynasty. Song Yingxing's "The Exploitation of the Works of Nature" from the Ming Dynasty contains a detailed account of Jingdezhen's Gourd Kilns, complete with illustrations. The Ming Dynasty Gourd Kilns combined the advantages of both the Dragon Kiln and the Mantou Kiln from the Song and Yuan Dynasties, with significant advancements in firing techniques. They made significant contributions to the development of Jingdezhen's porcelain industry throughout the Ming Dynasty and the formation of the Zhen Kiln in the Qing Dynasty.
Recommended one-day tour
95 yuan/person
8:00～17:00
The Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area is located in Jingdezhen, a city renowned for its rich porcelain-making history dating back over 2,000 years. This site showcases the traditional techniques of porcelain production, with ancient kilns still used to produce high-quality ceramics that reflect the city's important role in the ceramic industry of China.
The Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area is located in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. It is easily accessible by taxi or local buses from the city center. Public transportation options such as buses can take you directly to the site, while taxis offer a more convenient and quicker route.
The Expo Area is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the morning when it’s less crowded and the weather is cooler, especially in spring or autumn. Weekdays tend to be quieter compared to weekends.
The entrance fee for the Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area is approximately 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, or in advance through local tourism websites or travel agents.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary but can be done for convenience, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tickets can typically be booked a few days in advance through local tourism platforms.
It takes approximately 1-2 hours to fully explore the Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area, depending on how long you wish to spend at each exhibit and participating in pottery-making activities.
Must-see highlights include the traditional kilns, pottery-making demonstrations, and the exhibition of Jingdezhen’s ceramic history. Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase handcrafted porcelain from local artisans.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and there are occasionally English-speaking guides, though it’s best to check in advance. Audio guides are also offered, usually in Chinese, but some locations may provide English options upon request.
The best photography spots are near the traditional kilns, where you can capture the ancient pottery-making process, and in the surrounding gardens where the pottery is displayed. The pottery itself, with intricate designs, also makes for great close-up shots.
Start by exploring the outdoor kiln area to see how pottery is fired and then move inside to view the exhibits on the history and evolution of ceramic art. Be sure to stop by the souvenir shop for unique porcelain items before leaving.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available. However, special pottery-making demonstrations and workshops may be offered on select days.
The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays or early in the morning. Visiting during the off-season (spring or autumn) is also a good way to avoid peak tourist traffic.
The Expo Area has clean public toilets, rest areas, and a few shops selling souvenirs. There are also small food stalls offering local snacks and drinks, but no full-service restaurants inside the site.
The site is relatively accessible for elderly visitors and children, with paved walkways and seating areas. However, some areas near the kilns may not be ideal for those with mobility issues. It is advisable to inquire in advance for specific accessibility information.
Cash is widely accepted for ticket purchases and souvenirs, though mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly used throughout the area. Credit cards may be accepted at larger souvenir shops but are less common for small purchases.
There are a few local restaurants around the Expo Area offering traditional Chinese food, including regional specialties from Jiangxi. You can try local dishes such as "Jingdezhen-style" rice and various Chinese noodles.
Some local restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, though vegan options may be limited. Halal food is available in some restaurants catering to Muslim visitors in Jingdezhen.
Hotels near the Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area include the Jingdezhen International Hotel and the GreenTree Inn Jingdezhen. Both are located within a short distance from the site and offer comfortable accommodations for visitors.
Nearby attractions include the Jingdezhen Ceramic Museum, the Old Kiln Museum, and the famous Taoxichuan Ceramic Cultural and Creative Block. All these places are within easy reach and can be visited in a single day.
There are souvenir shops inside and around the Expo Area selling Jingdezhen’s famous porcelain items, including vases, teacups, and traditional ceramic art pieces. You can also purchase pottery-making kits and local artisan products.
After visiting, you can continue your journey by taxi or local buses to explore nearby attractions in Jingdezhen. Trains and buses to other major cities in Jiangxi, such as Nanchang, are available from the Jingdezhen Railway Station.
