In recent years, China has implemented strategies to modernize and transform its traditional industries, with the aim of adapting them to contemporary demands and encouraging sustainable economic development. Jingdezhen is a city located in the province of Jiangxi, in the east of the country. Also known as “the city of porcelain” due to the excellent quality of its porcelain products, this city has experienced new vitality thanks to this change in policies.
Like many traditional industries in China, porcelain production in Jingdezhen faced challenges related to modernization, international competition and the need to innovate.
In response, the Government has set out to implement a series of policies to revitalise this region and its traditional economic activity. Among the proposed measures is the promotion of the integration of modern technology into production processes, which encourages innovation in design and creates a favourable environment for young artists and entrepreneurs from across the nation to have the opportunity to participate. In addition, programmes have been developed to attract international talent.
All this makes it possible to merge traditional techniques with contemporary ideas, resulting in interesting products that combine cultural heritage with modern trends.
From a small workshop to a 500-square-meter studio in revitalized Jingdezhen
Sun Qiang, a potter from Taiyuan in northern China’s Shanxi province, is one of the entrepreneurs in Jingdezhen. He started his business about 10 years ago in a small room of just a few square meters.
“Looking at the current scale, you can see how we have really taken advantage of the opportunities and resources that have emerged in this era over the past few years. This has allowed us to grow to our size today,” Sun said, referring to his current studio, which is approximately 500 square meters.
The ceramist said he believes Jingdezhen has prospered thanks to the local government’s efforts to speed up the renovation of old factories.
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New industrial opportunities for young artists in China
Renovations like Taoxichuan’s have taken place all over the city. The effort to modernize facilities and revive old local industries has attracted young artists from around the country looking to pursue their dreams. Over the past decade, this arts district has been committed to fostering employment opportunities for younger generations.
According to Gang Hao, there are about 26,000 individual businesses registered in Taoxichuan, involving about 150,000 people, of which more than 90% come from outside Jingdezhen.
“These young people have injected new vitality into the city and offer new possibilities for industrial development,” he said.
Jingdezhen is a beautiful example of China’s drive to develop new industries and models. At the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the country’s leadership stressed that it will improve institutions and policies to foster new quality productive forces, which refers to advanced productivity that goes beyond traditional modes of economic growth but is in line with local conditions.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/economia/industria/2024/08/23/china-reinventar-industrias-tradicionales/
