Jingdezhen in east China's Jiangxi Province is renowned for its ceramic history of over 2,000 years. The city is experiencing a renewal and has drawn more international artists in recent years, blending Chinese and Western cultures in the country's "porcelain capital."

The residents live and breathe porcelain. The city's relationship with ceramics dates back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220), and local artisans' craftsmanship rose to fame during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The ceramics culture has lived on for more than 2,000 years. The city's legacy continues today as a center of ceramic art, fusing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Known as "Yangjingpiao," meaning migrants from abroad, the international artists in Jingdezhen have moved to the area to start businesses and feel inspired here through kilns and fire.

Jaume Ribalta is a ceramic artist from Spain. He became a "Yangjingpiao" in 2022.

"Here, I get to dip into more than just Chinese culture but also ceramic technology," said Ribalta. "The great success of Jingdezhen is that (it) accepts and welcomes any idea or opinion coming in."

Ribalta set up his studio in Jingdezhen with help from the local network.

"There is a very special web here of ceramic artists, institutions, and private companies that understand very well what it means for newcomers to come here and try to settle," the Spanish artist told CGTN.

"I think Jingdezhen is very friendly in this way. I received lots of help from everyone. I'm really grateful for that," he said.

Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue is a new Jingdezhen landmark that was renovated from an old factory. An international studio is set up there to help foreign artists with their careers.

Wu Zhenxi at the studio told CGTN that they have collaborated with 3,600 international artists from 56 countries since its establishment in 2015.

"The facilities within the art avenue are highly comprehensive, fully meeting the needs of ceramic art from material preparation to final kiln firing," he said.

The impact of the ceramic culture on Western artists

Katarzyna Miściur, a ceramic artist from Poland, shared her passion for ceramics.

"My favorite thing, obviously, is this ceramic world. And there is so many manufacturers, so many artists, so much craft, it's all over the place," she said. "And I already met a lot of people, and I enjoy all the discussions about art and ceramics."

Priya Sundaravalli, a ceramic artist from India, said her works have been influenced by Chinese culture.

"I came across the poetry of some Buddhist nuns; that philosophy of China influences my work," she said, adding that Jingdezhen is a special and inspiring place for her.

"There is so much to learn here. And the whole culture of the town is evolving around ceramics," said Sundaravalli.

The international studio has arranged various activities for foreign artists, including exhibitions, lectures, forums and workshops.

"These activities primarily enhance cultural exchanges between artists in Taoxichuan and Jingdezhen," Wu said. "They allow foreigners to experience Jingdezhen's culture while Chinese artists can learn how foreign artists create their artworks and understand their concepts."