The porcelain revival is transforming Jingdezhen, China, into a thriving cultural and creative hub. Once silenced by factory closures, the city is now attracting creators from across the world. Consequently, the porcelain revival is also boosting the local economy and rejuvenating the cultural scene.
In the 1990s, many state-owned porcelain factories closed. Consequently, over 60,000 workers lost their jobs, leaving the city in deep economic uncertainty. To tackle the crisis, Liu Zili, a former factory manager, stepped in to support the community. He focused on repaying wages and pensions while keeping workshops operational, laying the foundation for Jingdezhen’s ceramics resurgence.
Initially, city planners suggested turning factory sites into real estate. However, Liu rejected the idea. Instead, he believed Jingdezhen’s heritage could drive future growth. To guide redevelopment, he studied ceramics centers in Germany and Britain. Moreover, Liu saw the entire city as a living artwork, which became a central philosophy of the porcelain revival.
This vision eventually led to Taoxichuan, which opened in 2015. Abandoned factories were transformed into galleries, studios, and cafes. Today, over 31,000 creators work in Taoxichuan, and more than 4,000 artists from 58 countries have participated. Furthermore, many newcomers hold college degrees and explore crafts beyond ceramics, further enriching the local creative ecosystem and strengthening the porcelain revival.
Liu also designed Taoxichuan to encourage long-term residency. Apartments rent for 30 yuan per day with six-month rotations. This system not only gives young artists stability but also motivates them to integrate into the community. Consequently, many have married, bought homes, and settled permanently, helping the porcelain revival take root in daily life.
In addition, the project preserves Jingdezhen’s history. In 2012, Liu helped collect over 100,000 artifacts and documented workers’ memories. These items are housed in the Jingdezhen Heritage of Ceramic Industry Museum. Later, the museum received the 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Importantly, Liu deliberately avoided excessive commercialization, keeping the site’s character intact while promoting the porcelain revival.
By 2024, Taoxichuan generated nearly 1 billion yuan in revenue. Therefore, authorities recognized it as a national cultural industry demonstration zone. Experts praised its intimate, refined design and its respect for heritage. Meanwhile, locals nicknamed Liu “Companion of the City” for his dedication to Jingdezhen’s revival, a symbol of the ongoing porcelain revival.
Looking forward, Liu hopes the porcelain revival will continue shaping the city. He envisions new creative projects and cultural exchanges that honor tradition while driving economic development. Ultimately, for Liu, the porcelain revival represents both preservation and innovation, blending artistry with community in a harmonious balance.
