Jingdezhen ceramic heritage added to UNESCO World Heritage List

China’s Jingdezhen Manual Porcelain Industry Heritage was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the committee’s 48th session in Busan, South Korea. The designation raises China’s total to 61 World Heritage Sites and spotlights one of the world’s most complete historic manual porcelain production systems.

Why it matters: - The inscription gives formal global recognition to Jingdezhen as a key center of manual porcelain production and ceramic innovation. - The listing underscores China’s cultural heritage value and expands the World Heritage List under the porcelain heritage theme. - The designation is expected to strengthen conservation, research, interpretation and sustainable use of the site.

What happened: - The UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed China's nominated property, Jingdezhen Manual Porcelain Industry Heritage, at its 48th session in Busan, Republic of Korea, on July 29, 2026. - China now has 61 World Heritage Sites. - The heritage property is located in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province.

The details: - The property includes five major components: the urban porcelain production center, the Hutian Ancient Kiln Site, the Gaoling porcelain clay mining site, the Changling porcelain stone mining site and the Jiaotan kiln fuel production area. - The five sites together represent one of the world's most complete and representative manual porcelain production systems from the 10th to the 19th centuries. - The UNESCO World Heritage Committee said the property provides authentic testimony to the development of China's manual porcelain industry between the 10th and 19th centuries. - The committee also recognized the influence of Chinese ceramic technology, artistic achievements and production organization on ceramics worldwide. - The committee commended the integrity, authenticity and long-term conservation efforts by the Chinese government. - Jingdezhen has been one of the world's leading centers of handmade porcelain production since the 16th century. - Jingdezhen's blue-and-white porcelain is described as a symbol of Chinese culture and a key expression of traditional craftsmanship.

Between the lines: - The listing reflects nearly half a century of conservation work and an 11-year nomination process. - The inscription helps fill a gap in the World Heritage List for porcelain-related heritage. - The recognition also boosts the international profile of China's traditional ceramic culture and its role in cultural exchange.

What's next: - The Chinese government said it will prioritize conservation, strengthen systematic protection, research, interpretation and sustainable use of the heritage site. - China said it will continue working with the international community to safeguard shared cultural heritage and promote dialogue among civilizations. - The World Heritage designation is likely to support long-term preservation efforts and broader public interpretation of the Jingdezhen site.

The bottom line: - Jingdezhen’s inscription elevates one of the world’s most important porcelain traditions onto UNESCO’s global stage and adds momentum to China’s heritage preservation efforts.