From the world porcelain capital to tourist attraction

An analysis of Jingdezhen’s masterplan and innovative urban planning strategies

Abstract

Ceramics are extremely important in Chinese culture, this craft has been present throughout chinese history since the Palaeolithic era and especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties when Chinese porcelain became popular all over the world, and, since the 13th century, Jingdezhen, a city in Jiangxi province, has been considered the porcelain capital of the world and the main production site. This article aims to analyse the strategies used in the city to revitalise historic areas and use the region's cultural heritage and creative potential as a vector for economic and urban development. Therefore, it is also essential to study Jingdezhen's current master plan, as these were the factors that enabled the success of this case. The Jingdezhen City Master Plan follows the premisses of creating an urban space guided by the ceramics, aviation and tourism industries, supported by manufacturing industries such as automobiles, machinery, home appliances, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, and with modern service industries and modern agriculture as new growth poles. This study aims to analyse the case of Jingdezhen and its practicality to be introduced in other similar cities around the world.