Hu Xue Mei, Mayor of Jingdezhen, Discusses the Future of Ceramic Culture and Inbound Tourism

In the latest government work report, key focus areas included "innovating and enriching consumption experiences," "releasing the potential of culture, tourism, and sports," and "expanding inbound consumption." Jingdezhen, with its growing global recognition for cultural tourism, has seen a significant surge in inbound travel. We seek to position Jingdezhen as a central city in global tourism promotions, allowing us to build on this momentum and continue enhancing cultural tourism and inbound consumption.

Jingdezhen's legacy as the "Ceramic Capital" spans over 2,000 years, with a rich history that includes more than 1,000 years of imperial kiln production. As one of China’s first historic cultural cities and a global center of folk arts, it attracts ceramic enthusiasts from around the world. Recent years have seen the development of iconic tourism attractions such as Taoxichuan, Taoyangli, and Taoyuan Valley, alongside influential cultural IPs like "The City of 1,000 Museums" and "The Three Great Markets." These projects have created a comprehensive, all-encompassing cultural tourism system, making Jingdezhen a beloved destination for visitors both domestic and international.

Jingdezhen is surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage sites and boasts over 70 top-rated scenic areas. The region has become a vital cultural hub, offering a stunning mix of ancient history and modern vitality. Last year, the city welcomed over 102,000 international visitors, marking a 103% growth, and was included in the first batch of 240-hour visa-free transit cities. With the launch of 15 new initiatives to further promote inbound tourism, we are aiming to double our international visitor numbers once again.

As we work to establish Jingdezhen as a world-renowned ceramic and cultural tourism destination, we urge national authorities to prioritize the city in international tourism promotions. We look forward to engaging with foreign governments, travel professionals, and media to enhance overseas visibility and to showcase Jingdezhen's unparalleled cultural heritage to the world.

Hu Xue Mei on the Role of Ceramics in Cultural Heritage Protection

At Jingdezhen, we are deeply committed to preserving our ceramic heritage while also fostering creative transformation and innovative development to ensure its relevance in the modern era.

1. Protecting and Reviving Ceramics:
Jingdezhen is home to over 2,000 years of ceramic history. Our approach to preservation focuses on authenticity and careful restoration. We have undertaken significant efforts to protect over 108 traditional alleys and more than 900 historical buildings. Furthermore, we are supporting over 200 intangible cultural heritage inheritors and revitalizing hundreds of traditional workshops, time-honored brands, and guild halls. Our vibrant folk exhibitions and National Trend Shows recreate the lively scenes of “Taoyang Thirteen Li” and attract millions of visitors. Jingdezhen is now a "living textbook" of ceramic history, offering an immersive cultural experience that engages both domestic and international audiences.

2. Strengthening the Ceramic Industry:
Jingdezhen continues to advance in both industrial scale and artistic craftsmanship. We have strategically focused on enhancing our daily ceramics, artistic ceramics, and high-end advanced ceramics. In 2024, our ceramic industry saw a 9% revenue growth, and the brand value of "Jingdezhen-made" ceramics increased by 70%. We introduced the celebrated “Spring Bowl” on CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala, which became a nationwide hit, demonstrating the enduring charm and market relevance of traditional ceramics.

3. Expanding Global Influence:
Jingdezhen has made impressive strides in international exchange. The 21st Ceramic Expo marked a turning point with the introduction of the "Four Major Releases" program, attracting nearly 1,000 guests from 82 countries. Our delegations have visited the UK and Portugal, hosting events like "The Moon of the World, Scenic China" to promote cultural exchange. We have also secured the rights to host the 2026 International Ceramics Conference (IAC), the highest-level global event in ceramics. Our collaborations with institutions like the Cambridge Joseph Needham Institute have further demonstrated Jingdezhen’s impact on global ceramic culture, showcasing its centuries-old legacy.

Hu Xue Mei on Shaping the Future of Jingdezhen

Jingdezhen is poised for a new era of growth and cultural significance. By capitalizing on national experimental zones and focusing on cultural heritage protection, we are committed to advancing the unique strengths of our city, infusing new vitality into our heritage, and elevating the global recognition of Jingdezhen as the "Ceramic Capital of 1,000 Years."

1. Strengthening Cultural Heritage Protection:
Our mission is to protect and showcase the rich ceramic culture of Jingdezhen. We aim to enhance its authenticity, liveliness, and international appeal, ensuring that the unparalleled cultural legacy of our city continues to shine in the global arena. We are committed to an integrated approach to preserve and pass on our ceramic traditions while making them accessible and relevant for future generations.

2. Revitalizing the Ceramic Industry:
Our efforts to scale and refine the ceramic industry are yielding impressive results. We are expanding the production of daily-use ceramics, refining artistic ceramics, and advancing high-end ceramics. In addition, we are embracing cross-sector collaboration and digital innovation to enhance the global competitiveness of Jingdezhen ceramics. Our foreign trade initiatives and global expansion plans aim to create a new peak for Jingdezhen’s ceramic industry, promoting ceramics, products, brands, and culture to the world.

3. Expanding Cultural Influence Globally:
Using ceramics as a cultural bridge, we are forging stronger international connections. This year, during the Ceramic Expo, we will host the “1819 Global Ceramic Carnival” in collaboration with organizations like the International Ceramics Association and the Silk Road Tourism Cities Alliance. This event will bring together ceramic cities and international representatives to celebrate our shared cultural heritage. We will also invite a renowned UK theater troupe to collaborate with our local artists on a performance of King Lear, further strengthening the cultural dialogue between East and West.

Jingdezhen’s ceramic culture is entering a new phase of growth, and we are committed to continuing our legacy as a global leader in cultural heritage, artistic innovation, and international collaboration.