Nestled in the mountainous terrain of south China's Fujian Province, Dehua County has been synonymous with exquisite ceramics for over 1,000 years. At the recent Global Civilizations Dialogue, Fang Junqin, Secretary of the Dehua County Committee of the Communist Party of China, shared insights into how this ancient craft is evolving while staying rooted in tradition.
Known as "China's porcelain capital," Dehua ceramics gained global fame during the Maritime Silk Road era. "Our ancestors mastered techniques that produced translucent 'lard white' porcelain," Fang told CGTN. "Today, we balance preservation with innovation – from digitizing traditional kiln designs to integrating 3D printing."
Local authorities are promoting this intangible heritage through art academies, cultural tourism projects, and international exhibitions. Over 3,000 ceramic enterprises now operate in Dehua, contributing to 40% of the county's GDP while maintaining artisanal traditions.
For investors, Dehua's ceramic industry offers opportunities in cultural tech and sustainable manufacturing. Researchers note its potential as a case study in heritage-led rural revitalization. Travelers can explore living museums where master potters demonstrate Ming Dynasty techniques alongside modern production lines.
