STORY: China's "porcelain capital" flourishes with new vitality amid BRI cooperation
DATELINE: Oct. 14, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:17
LOCATION: JINGDEZHEN, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese) EMRAH HAKAN CALISKAN, Turkish merchant
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): DONGHYUN KAN, Korean artist
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): PELIN DAL, Turkish artist

STORYLINE:

Jingdezhen, a small city in the mountains of China's Jiangxi Province, has long been associated with the creation of quality ceramics.

It's often called the "porcelain capital" for its important role in the domestic and international ceramic industry, with a history of ceramic craftsmanship spanning over 2,000 years.

In ancient times, Jingdezhen witnessed numerous batches of exquisite porcelain being exported to other countries via the Silk Road. 

Today, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has injected new vitality into the city. 

Ceramic products from Jingdezhen are now exported to more than 30 BRI partner countries, and the city itself has attracted a large number of foreign artists and enthusiasts to pursue their dreams.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): EMRAH HAKAN CALISKAN, Turkish merchant
"When I was young, I went to a museum with my family, and my father told me about ceramics there for the first time. I came to Jingdezhen in 2014 or 2015. In Jingdezhen, I gradually understood Jingdezhen ceramics. About a year later, I received a foreign trade order in Jingdezhen. The BRI has provided us with many opportunities, and our trade orders are increasing steadily."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): DONGHYUN KAN, Korean artist
"When I was an undergraduate, I became interested in the clay materials in Jingdezhen. When I came to Jingdezhen to study at the ceramic university, I was fortunate to receive a Chinese government scholarship, which was a great opportunity. When I initially started my studio, local policies and support measures have helped a lot. 

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): PELIN DAL, Turkish artist
I feel so comfortable here, so relaxed. And I have so many Chinese friends, even foreign friends. We are so happy together. I want to stay here for many years, because the techniques, places, studios, and artists are so good. That's why I am thinking about having PhD education here.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jingdezhen, China.
(XHTV)