Jing Dezhen, China's porcelain capital, is seeking to REVIVE its culture. Porcelain makers are introducing more traditional methods, while encouraging younger generations to participate. CGTN's Ning Hong paid a visit to the ancient town.

How do you make porcelain by hand, like craftsmen in China did 600 hundred years ago?
 Experts say there are 72 processes, from throwing to engraving and that only a master could handle such work. This is an intangible cultural heritage project, built around a 15th century kiln.

YU XILAI, DIRECTOR XU JIA KILN, JING DEZHEN "We are sticking to the most original way of making porcelain several centuries ago.”

This is one of just two remaining wood kilns in Jing Dezhen. The firing process in this kiln is extremely hard to manage, and the rate of defect is high.

YU XILAI, DIRECTOR XU JIA KILN, JING DEZHEN "The gloss of this porcelain is not that dazzling, it's more mild. It also worth over a hundred times more than those fired in a common gas kiln.”

It is said that porcelain made in a wood kiln is as clear as the sky, bright as a mirror, thin as paper, and as resonant as a bell. However, such rare artistry is in danger of being lost, as few young apprentices have the patience or skill to manage it. To attract more talented young craftsmen, a market was built in Jing Dezhen. Booths here are rent-free for entrepreneurs under the age of 30. Guo Liyun holds a workshop making color glaze products. They are easier to make than traditional porcelain, and are usually more favorable in home decor.

GUO LIYUN DESIGNER "You need to be more creative to succeed here." 


The market has a demanding buyer market. Originality tops most consumer's preferences. 


LI LINYANG, MANAGER YI KONGJIAN MARKET "If we found any counterfeit or fake products, they would be cleared out of the market."

The style of porcelain here is aimed at young people. It also provides a stable income for entrepreneurs. In the center of the market, are the remains of an old kiln. A reminder of the tradition. 


NING HONG JING DEZHEN, JIANGXI PROVINCE "This is where tradition meets with fashion, and the most important value of this platform is to let younger generations really understand, and inject their thoughts into this tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years."

A stable income is helping Guo continue her study by learning from an experienced master here. Ning Hong, CGTN, Jing Dezhen.