China Adds Porcelain Heritage Sites to UNESCO List

China’s Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry Sites have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, taking the country’s total number of listed properties to 61. The newly recognised heritage area covers 1,979 hectares and includes five components connected with porcelain production, raw-material extraction and traditional industry. Jingdezhen developed into an important centre of ceramics between the 10th and 19th centuries, producing porcelain that was traded internationally and became closely associated with Chinese craftsmanship. The inscription is expected to strengthen cultural tourism while increasing attention on conservation, visitor management and the sustainable development of the surrounding heritage landscape.