A French Student’s Experience in Jingdezhen

For many international artists visiting Jingdezhen for the first time, Sanbao Ceramic Valley is often one of the first places they hear about.

Known for its beautiful natural surroundings, rich ceramic culture, and artistic atmosphere, Sanbao has long been regarded as one of Jingdezhen’s most influential creative communities.

But as tourism and commercial development continue to expand, an important question has emerged:

Is Sanbao still the ideal place for artists to live and work long-term?

Recently, a French student joined a one-week ceramic course in Jingdezhen and chose to stay in a guesthouse located in Sanbao Ceramic Valley rather than in the city center.

Her experience provides an opportunity to take a closer look at what Sanbao offers today.

A Brief History of Sanbao Ceramic Valley

Sanbao was not originally developed as a tourist destination.

During the 1990s, artists from China and abroad began settling in the area because of its peaceful rural environment, affordable living costs, and close connection to Jingdezhen’s ceramic traditions.

Between 1995 and 2005, Sanbao experienced rapid growth as an emerging artistic community.

From 2005 to 2015, the area gained international recognition through artist residency programs, ceramic studios, workshops, and cultural exchange projects. Many artists considered this period the golden age of Sanbao.

Like many creative communities worldwide, Sanbao was affected by the global pandemic between 2019 and 2022, resulting in fewer visitors and reduced international exchange.

Since 2023, tourism has returned strongly, bringing new energy to the area—but also new challenges.

A French Student’s Accommodation Experience

The guesthouse she selected is located at the foot of the mountains within Sanbao Ceramic Valley.

Operated by a young entrepreneur, the property opened only a few years ago and reflects a growing trend of boutique accommodations throughout the valley.

The guesthouse offers clean and comfortable rooms, beautiful mountain views, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Most accommodations in the area are relatively small, typically featuring three to five guest rooms. Some also include breakfast and personalized services.

For short-term visitors, the experience can be highly rewarding.

Guests can easily walk to ceramic studios, cafés, galleries, and creative spaces while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Advantages of Staying in Sanbao

Beautiful Natural Environment

Compared with downtown Jingdezhen, Sanbao offers more greenery, bamboo forests, and mountain scenery.

Many artists appreciate the quiet surroundings and slower pace of life.

Strong Artistic Atmosphere

The area continues to host numerous ceramic studios, artist workshops, and cultural events.

For newcomers, it remains one of the best places to experience Jingdezhen’s ceramic culture.

Ideal for Short-Term Visits

Visitors staying for a few days or a week can enjoy a unique combination of art, nature, and local culture.

Challenges of Living in Sanbao Long-Term

Rising Accommodation Costs

As tourism has grown, rental prices and guesthouse rates have increased significantly compared with other areas of Jingdezhen.

Higher Daily Expenses

Restaurants and businesses in Sanbao primarily cater to visitors, which often means higher prices than those found in ordinary residential neighborhoods.

Transportation Limitations

Most traffic enters and exits through a single road.

Congestion can become a problem during weekends, holidays, and major events.

For artists who frequently travel between studios, factories, suppliers, and downtown Jingdezhen, transportation can become inconvenient.

Is Sanbao Still Suitable for Long-Term Artist Residencies?

The answer depends largely on your goals and budget.

If your objective is to experience Jingdezhen’s artistic atmosphere, enjoy nature, and stay for a few days or a week, Sanbao remains one of the most attractive areas in the city.

However, artists planning to stay for one month, three months, or longer should carefully evaluate accommodation costs, transportation needs, and daily living expenses.

In recent years, many artists have initially chosen Sanbao but later relocated to downtown Jingdezhen, Xianghu, or neighborhoods near Jingdezhen Ceramic University, where living costs are generally lower and daily life is more convenient.

Conclusion

Sanbao Ceramic Valley remains one of Jingdezhen’s most iconic cultural and artistic landmarks.

Yet it has gradually evolved from a quiet artist community into a destination that combines art, culture, tourism, and commercial activities.

For short-term visitors, it offers a memorable and inspiring experience.

For long-term residents, however, balancing creative inspiration with practical living costs has become increasingly important.

Before deciding where to stay, artists and travelers should carefully consider their budget, project goals, and expected length of stay to determine whether Sanbao is truly the right fit for their journey in Jingdezhen. Click the audio below to listen our talk.