How to get to Jingdezhen

When planning a trip to Jingdezhen, the world-renowned "Porcelain Capital" in eastern China, tourists immerse themselves in an atmosphere of ancient craft traditions and rich history. This city in Jiangxi Province boasts a developed infrastructure, making the question of how to reach the destination easily solved: travellers have access to flights to the local airport, high-speed trains, as well as bus or car journeys.

The most convenient and fastest way to reach the city is by air. The region is served by its own Jingdezhen Airport (JDZ), which receives regular flights from major metropolises across China. The terminal is located quite close to the city limits, so the transfer to your hotel or the central streets will not take much time.

If a direct flight is unavailable, one can consider routes via neighbouring transport hubs located within a radius of 130 kilometres. Travellers often choose flights to Shangrao, Huangshan, or Jiujiang. Arriving in one of these cities allows you not only to reach your final destination but also to see the picturesque surroundings of the adjacent districts.

Travelling by train is one of the most comfortable and popular ways to get to the "Porcelain Capital". The city operates a modern railway station, Jingdezhen North, which accommodates high-speed trains connecting the region with key transport hubs.

Tourists can utilise direct services from major metropolises such as Shanghai, Nanchang, Hangzhou, and other cities. A journey on a high-speed train not only saves significant time but also allows you to enjoy comfort and beautiful views of Jiangxi Province on the way to your destination.

For those who prefer to enjoy the province's landscapes from a window, a trip on an intercity bus is perfectly suitable. Regular services connect the "Porcelain Capital" with neighbouring Shangrao, from where the 170-kilometre journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours. Equally popular is the route from the scenic city of Huangshan, located 150 kilometres away: comfortable buses cover this distance in an average of 2.5 hours.

Another convenient transport hub is Jiujiang, situated just 140 kilometres to the west. The journey from here lasts about two hours, allowing tourists to reach their destination quickly and on a budget. Most buses arrive at the Jingdezhen Central Bus Station, from where it is easy to continue your journey by taxi or public transport to the main attractions.

Travellers who value comfort and personal space often choose to travel by car or book a private transfer. The swiftest route runs from Jiujiang: the distance of 152 kilometres can be covered in just 2 hours on high-quality highways. The picturesque road from Huangshan will take a little more time — about 2.5 hours to drive 165 kilometres.

The direction from Shangrao is also in demand, where the 210-kilometre journey takes approximately 3 hours. Taxi services and car rentals with drivers are well-developed in the region, making such trips accessible; however, for intercity transfers, it is recommended to agree on a fixed price in advance or use official aggregator apps.

A trip to Jingdezhen is an immersion into a world of unique art, which requires a little preparation for maximum comfort. To ensure your journey to this famous corner of China goes smoothly and without hassle, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is humid subtropical, so your wardrobe depends on the season. Summers can be very hot and humid — choose light, modest natural fabrics and do not forget a raincoat or umbrella. In winter, temperatures rarely drop below zero, but due to high humidity and the lack of central heating, indoors can feel quite chilly — be sure to bring thermal wear and a warm sweater.
2. Transport. The most convenient way to get around is by taxi or booking a car via apps (such as DiDi). It is inexpensive and saves you from the complexities of public transport routes, where all navigation is in Chinese. If you decide to walk, be attentive at crossings: traffic can be chaotic.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Chinese Yuan. Although cash is still accepted, China has almost completely switched to digital wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay). It is recommended to install these apps in advance and link your card. Cash will only be useful for small purchases from street vendors or in old markets.
4. Health and Safety. Jingdezhen is a safe city, but drinking tap water is strictly not recommended; use only bottled water. Bring a necessary supply of medicines with you: local pharmacies may not have the analogues you are used to, and reading instructions in Chinese will be difficult.
5. Communication. The English language is not widely spoken here, with the exception of major hotels. Your main assistant is a smartphone with an offline translator installed (voice and photo). Also, download offline maps of the area in advance, as familiar Western services may work incorrectly or be blocked.
6. Local Etiquette. The Chinese value politeness and restraint. When purchasing goods or exchanging business cards, try to offer and receive items with two hands — this is a sign of deep respect. Bargaining at markets is not only allowed but expected, however, do this with a smile and friendliness.
7. What to Avoid. Do not rush to buy expensive porcelain in the very first shop, especially in tourist zones, if you are not knowledgeable about hallmarks and quality. The risk of overpaying for factory-made items sold as handmade is high. Also, avoid discussing sensitive political topics with local residents.
8. Additional Advice. The main souvenir from here is ceramics, so think about logistics in advance. Carrying fragile vases in a suitcase is risky. It is better to use professional packaging and shipping services, which are offered by many reputable shops and workshops right on the spot.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid everyday troubles and fully focus on the beauty of the "Porcelain Capital". May your introduction to the ancient traditions of the masters be effortless and leave only pleasant memories.