Jingdezhen, the renowned "porcelain capital" in east China's Jiangxi Province, is drawing international tourists with its rich traditional culture and exquisite craftsmanship.
Recently, at the Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Customs Expo Area, international tourists from countries like Nepal have not only been able to observe skilled ceramic craftsmen but also create their own pieces with professional guidance. Many visitors left their cultural patterns on the porcelain, immersing themselves in a rich cultural exchange.
"When we were in Nepal, we could buy pottery that was made in China, but we only had this type of pottery making without any designs. When we came here, we learned a lot about designs, colors, and how they tell a story. It's not just something to buy, it's a story to tell. So that was really fruitful. When we came here, we also learned that there are different types of pottery, which carry the history of China through the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and different dynasties that this has been coming down. So this has been really fruitful," said Dipendra Bhatta, a tourist.
In addition to experiencing traditional ceramic culture, various scenic spots and creative markets showcase stunning handmade crafts, including ceramic kitchenware and decorative pieces, which many tourists find irresistible.
"This is my new bowl. I will use it in Australia, probably for salad dressings. It's functional, beautiful, earthy, and a great reminder of this place," said a visitor.
Meanwhile, thanks to the upgrading of payment services, international tourists can easily settle their bills by scanning a code or using their foreign credit cards for payments.
"Key business districts, scenic spots, and hotels fully support foreign card payments, QR code transactions, and cash settlements. We have set up 68 foreign currency exchange points to allow tourists to easily withdraw cash. Additionally, exchange services, SIM cards, and data plans are available at airports, high-speed rail stations, and major commercial areas. These measures greatly enhance the consumer experience for both domestic and international tourists in Jingdezhen, covering dining, accommodation, transportation, tourism, shopping, entertainment and learning," said Wang Yao, deputy director of the Jingdezhen City Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, News, Publishing, and Tourism.
Since the beginning of this year, Jingdezhen has welcomed 51,000 international tourist trips, generating 154 million yuan (about 21.4 million U.S. dollars) of consumption.
China's porcelain capital attracts int'l tourists to experience ceramic culture
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
