Known throughout China as the home of the country's most famous porcelain and ceramics, Jingdezhen claims a rich 1700-year history as the home of imperial potters.

Still reputable for producing top-quality ceramics, Jingdezhen has grown into a manufacturing hub, but the city also continues as a popular tourist destination due to its historical accolades.

Just three hours from the capital of Jiangxi province, Nanchang, Jingdezhen is also conveniently located near Huang Shan, Wuyuan and Lu Shan, making it an excellent satellite city for travelers looking to explore the outlying mountains.

History

Originally called Xinpin, Jingdezhen's origins date back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), but its real rise to prominence began during the Nothern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD), when it was renamed Changnanzhen and developed a reputation for excellent earthenware.

Experiencing its greatest fame during the Ming (1368 - 1644 AD) and Qing (1644 - 1912 AD) dynasties, when it was considered one of the four most prominent cities in China (along with Foshan, Hankou and Zhuxianzhen), Jingdezhen eventually settled into it's role as a county-level prefecture city after the founding of the People's Republic of China (1949 - present).

In 1982, Jingdezhen was named one of China's top 24 national historical and cultural cities.

Climate

Jingdezhen experiences four distinct seasons annually. Summers are brutally hot, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, while winters are cold and humid, temperatures dropping below zero. As with much of China, spring and autumn are the most desirable times to visit, the cool climate making travel very comfortable.

Jingdezhen boasts more tourist hotels than any other city in Jiangxi province, options ranging from two to four stars.

Travelers on a budget might consider the Liangyou Hotel which offers affordable rooms from RMB 138, while the Bandao International Hotel has rooms starting from RMB 210. Tourists with a bit more to spend on lodgings can check into Jingdezhen's top-rated hotel, the Zijing Hotel, which offers standard rooms for RMB 448.

Buses regularly stop through Jingdezhen en route to popular cities like Nanjing, Nanchang, Wuhan, Jiujiang and Hangzhou, while trains also stop on their way to many of the same destinations.

Jingdezhen is also accessible by air, with daily flights arriving from from Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.