As one of China's oldest cultural centers and an inaugural pilot city for urban renewal, Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province boasts an unparalleled and comprehensive ceramic heritage system. Among its cultural treasures, the Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District preserves the city's extensive historic and cultural legacy.
To protect Jingdezhen's unique ceramic aesthetic and cultural identity, the China Construction First Group Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), began the restoration of Taoyangli Historical and Cultural District in 2019.
Covering approximately 203,000 square meters, the project encompasses the restoration of residential neighborhoods, the preservation of historic sites, and the development of supporting infrastructure.
Kiln bricks played an important role in restoring the historical appearance of this ancient cultural district. The renovation team adhered to the principle of "whole bricks go on the wall, broken bricks are used for paving street" to meticulously restore the ancient street.
The team employed a "traditional-modern-traditional" sandwich construction method, with modern techniques applied to the middle layer of the wall, while the original paint on the inner and outer surfaces, cast iron components and worn wall surfaces were preserved as much as possible. Missing parts were filled in using old kiln bricks from the surrounding area, making the repaired sections indistinguishable from the original walls. In addition to the walls, the streets were also paved with a large number of century-old kiln bricks.
The art of brickwork is on prominent display at the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum in the district. The design inspiration for the kiln museum came from traditional egg-shaped kilns and consists of eight multi-curved arch structures. Unlike simple geometric shapes, the museum employs complex hyperbolic surfaces, requiring the use of staggered brickwork and the assistance of gravity to complete the construction.
Beyond the brickwork, the renovation of wooden architecture in the historical district adheres to the principle of preserving the original appearance. For partially decayed wooden structures, only the beams or trusses infested with termites or other pests were replaced, while the original wood and structures that met structural safety standards were preserved.
For the 1,127 residential buildings constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the contemporary era, tailored restoration strategies were designed for each structure. These strategies took into account the layout and structural characteristics of each individual building to best showcase its historical features.
For example, the Taoyang Academy, one of the oldest buildings in the area, underwent meticulous restoration based on historical documents and relics.
To improve modern living conditions without disrupting the district's historic charm, the team introduced concealed upgrades. Lighting fixtures were hidden in brick crevices and eaves, achieving a “light without lamps” effect. To address drainage issues, they transformed old bluestone paths into hidden drainage systems, preserving the streets' historic appearance while enhancing functionality.
The project incorporated cutting-edge technologies, including BIM, mixed reality (MR), and GIS cloud platforms. These innovations enhanced construction accuracy and efficiency, particularly in complex structures like the Imperial Kiln Museum's double-curved surfaces.
Today, Taoyangli is attracting an increasing number of porcelain craftsmen and inheritors from around the world. A diverse array of ceramic products is continually injecting fresh vitality into the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage, ensuring the art of ceramics remains a living tradition.
According to statistics, in 2023, Taoyangli welcomed 4.42 million visitors, generating tourism revenue of 167.9 million yuan ($23.2 million).
Executive editor: Wang Ruoting
