Ancient porcelain capital molding bright future

For over a millennium, the kiln fires of Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, have burned nonstop. An ancient local saying captures the enduring legacy of this porcelain capital: "Craftsmen come from all directions, and vessels go to the world."

Today, this historic city is witnessing a modern resurgence of that spirit. A growing number of people are flocking there to pursue their dreams. While they refer to themselves as Jingpiao, or Jingdezhen drifters, locals and observers increasingly view them as "makers". From young graduates starting with humble market stalls to veteran artisans pushing the boundaries of tradition, and international artists seeking cross-cultural inspiration, Jingdezhen has become a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship.

As Spring Festival came, the public kilns were bustling with activity. Hu Yiming, a young ceramic artist, was busy glazing his works before firing. Like many others, he was rushing to stock up on products to sell at the holiday markets. The owner of the public kiln was so busy he barely had time to rest, leaving the task of loading the kiln to the artists themselves. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of anticipation and urgency, as heat from the kilns mirrored the burning ambition of these young creators.

Hu, who graduated from university more than two years ago, recalls that this facility was recommended by senior students during his college days. In Xianghu village, home to the Jingdezhen Ceramic University, workshops related to porcelain making are ubiquitous. The area boasts a complete handicraft system — from mud preparation and molding, to glazing and firing — allowing even a novice to transform an abstract idea into a tangible porcelain product. This accessible ecosystem is the fertile soil that allows dreams to take root quickly.

Hu now has his own studio in the village: three rooms occupied only by himself and a cat named Xiaobai. However, his path to independence was not without resistance. Upon his graduation, his parents strongly urged him to return to his hometown in Hefei, Anhui province, to take a stable job as a welder in a State-owned enterprise.