In April 2025, Jingdezhen, long celebrated as the Porcelain Capital, welcomed more than 30 reporters and media reps from Europe, the US and Australia for the Belt and Road Journalists Forum.
Over a millennium, porcelain from this city shaped global trade routes, fueling cultural exchanges that spanned continents. Participants traced this legacy through hands-on workshops, visiting centuries-old kilns and studying artisan techniques that blend tradition with innovation.
The forum's highlight turned a blank white plate into a canvas of global unity. Each guest painted a symbol of their homeland – from eucalyptus leaves to Celtic patterns – then fired the design in a communal kiln. The result: plates that carry stories of interconnected cultures and a shared commitment to mutual understanding.
Beyond the creative spark, the event showcased how cultural heritage can drive soft power and forge lasting partnerships. For the young journalists in attendance, the ritual underlined a simple truth: art and tradition remain powerful bridges in an increasingly connected world.
As these plates journey back to newsrooms and social feeds across the globe, they serve as reminders: even a single stroke of paint can bridge oceans and build friendships that last far longer than the kiln's fire.
Reference(s):
China's porcelain legacy: Crafting international friendships
cgtn.com
