China's Jingdezhen Porcelain Industry Sites Added to UNESCO Heritage List

At the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan, South Korea, on July 25, 2026, China's 'Jingdezhen Manual Porcelain Industry Heritage' project was officially added to the World Heritage List. The designation brings China’s total number of UNESCO World Heritage sites to 61. Official Chinese reports highlight this achievement as part of broader national efforts, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, to preserve cultural heritage, enhance civilizational exchanges, and safeguard shared human historical legacies in collaboration with international partners.

The addition of the Jingdezhen porcelain heritage site expands China’s cultural representation on the global stage to 61 UNESCO sites, reinforcing the historical significance of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and strengthening diplomatic and cultural exchanges through UNESCO frameworks.

On July 25, 2026, during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee convened in Busan, South Korea, China’s application for the 'Jingdezhen Manual Porcelain Industry Heritage' project successfully passed review and was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Official reports confirmed that the decision was finalized at 12:44 PM local time, marking the successful culmination of a multi-year national nomination effort. With the inscription of the Jingdezhen site, China’s total count of UNESCO World Heritage sites reached 61. Jingdezhen, situated in eastern China's Jiangxi province, holds historical distinction as a paramount center of Chinese ceramic production. The designated heritage complex encompasses key historical elements of traditional manual porcelain production, reflecting centuries of technological evolution, specialized labor practices, kiln construction, and commercial distribution that shaped domestic and international porcelain trade networks. Chinese state media emphasized that the heritage success reflects overarching policy direction under Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. This framework directs state agencies to systematically protect, restore, and promote cultural and natural heritage while highlighting the historical value of Chinese civilization on the world stage. Official messaging released alongside the announcement underscored China’s readiness to work with UNESCO and international partners to promote civilizational dialogue, advance mutual learning, and support global heritage protection initiatives. Looking ahead, local and national authorities face the task of implementing comprehensive management guidelines to ensure the long-term preservation of the Jingdezhen industrial sites. Stakeholders will focus on integrating heritage conservation with sustainable urban planning, supporting local artisan communities, and developing cultural tourism. The designation also highlights China's continuing momentum in building a robust pipeline of future World Heritage nominations.