As dusk fell and the streetlights flickered on, Huang Xiaojia led her friend along Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue. “I”m a local, but today I’m playing tour guide,” Huang joked, pointing to the bustling crowd ahead. “My friend has heard so much about the Taoranji Art Fair that she insisted on seeing it for herself.”
For visitors like Huang’s friend, Taoranji is more than just a market. It is a cultural phenomenon that transforms nights in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, into a vibrant tapestry of art and life.
Held regularly within the Taoxichuan complex, the fair has become a flagship event for the city’s night economy, offering an array of activities such as themed markets, public art experiences, dance performances and musical dramas.
“Over time, the fair has become bigger, longer and richer,” said a local organizer. “When tradition meets trend under the night sky, it unlocks a fashionable new way to experience the city.”
Wang Feng, a vendor at the fair, was a newcomer to Jingdezhen. After living in Qingdao, Shandong province, she moved there specifically for the market atmosphere. A specialist in embroidery for six years, Wang found her tribe among the stalls.
“I came for the market,” the young artisan said. “The charm of Taoranji lies in the encounters. Here, I can exchange ideas with like-minded creators and meet tourists who truly appreciate craftsmanship.”
While porcelain remains the soul of Jingdezhen, Taoranji has expanded its horizons. The fair serves as an open platform for diverse handicrafts, gathering over 600 stalls across more than 100 categories. From traditional ceramics to modern textiles, each booth functions as a miniature art exhibition.
Qin Shan, a tourist from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, initially came for the porcelain, but found herself captivated by a silver jewelry stall. “I didn’t expect to see so many different kinds of crafts,” she said, holding a pair of unique earrings she had just purchased. “Taoranji is like a treasure box; open it, and the surprises are endless.”
The fair offers a multidimensional experience that goes beyond commerce. Chen Dong, a visitor from Fujian province, brought his son to Jingdezhen for a summer vacation.
“We really made the right choice coming here,” Chen said. “My son tried pottery making and watched a shadow puppet show. He was so excited he’s already asking when we can come back.”
This blend of shopping and entertainment is central to Taoranji’s appeal. Visitors can slow down to browse handmade goods, let loose at an electronic music party, or watch dancers use mud and earth as their stage.
“This place is so interesting,” said Zhang Xin, a tourist from Hubei province. “I was dazzled by all the creative designs. When I got tired, I just bought a drink, sat on the grass and listened to a singer performing nearby. This is what a comfortable life should feel like.”
The backdrop for this vibrant scene is as compelling as the activities themselves. Taoxichuan is built on the site of the former Universe Porcelain Factory. The project has preserved 22 old factory buildings, transforming them into museums, art galleries and creative spaces while retaining their industrial soul.
Wu Min, a photography enthusiast from Anhui province, couldn’t stop snapping pictures. His camera captured fashionable artisans, creative crafts and the romantic interplay of light and shadow on the factory’s water plaza.
“It’s so photogenic here,” Wu said, showing off a photo of hanging lanterns. “The combination of old architecture and young energy is beautiful.”
Through structural renovation and cultural reshaping, Taoxichuan has become a new urban landmark and a national-level hub for night tourism. In 2024 alone, the venue received over 10 million visitors.
As the night deepens, Huang Xiaojia and her friend were still searching for the perfect photo angle in the plaza. Around them, thousands of others were doing the same, proving that in Jingdezhen, the ancient kiln fires have ignited a modern, sleepless vitality.
