DONGBU, Jiangxi province — Dongbu village, a historic riverside settlement about 40 kilometers from Jingdezhen, has recently gained heightened recognition as part of the Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry Sites, which were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 25. This designation marks the 61st World Heritage site in China and includes several components linked to the region’s long-standing porcelain industry.

For centuries, Dongbu served as a critical hub for the transport of kaolin and other raw materials used in porcelain production, with goods moving along the Donghe River to Jingdezhen’s renowned kilns. An ancient trade route passing through the village contributed to its role as a center for land and water trade and transshipment, facilitating commerce essential to the porcelain-making city. Although these features were part of daily life for villagers over generations, the recent World Heritage recognition has transformed local perceptions about the historical and cultural value of their environment.

Efforts to protect and restore Dongbu’s old wharf, commercial street, and waterways began around 2000, led by local authorities and heritage officials. The restoration was carried out with a “minimum intervention” approach, employing traditional materials and techniques to maintain the original colors and textures of structures and pavement. Utility upgrades were carefully managed to preserve the integrity of stone slabs lining the streets, which were numbered and replaced exactly as before. Concurrently, essential infrastructure improvements to water and drainage systems were implemented.

The restoration initiatives have generated new economic opportunities for the village’s population. More than 80 residents were employed during the conservation work, and several have since opened homestays, restaurants, and teahouses or started selling local produce to visitors. Dongbu now welcomes approximately 190,000 tourists annually, according to former village official Wu Jinghua, who has lived in the area for over 70 years. This influx contributes to increased income for local businesses and promotes cultural tourism centered on the village’s connection to Jingdezhen’s porcelain heritage.

Beyond economic benefits, the World Heritage status has fostered a renewed sense of community pride and identity. Many residents now view their surroundings not merely as familiar spaces but as valuable cultural assets to be safeguarded for future generations. “We all have the same hope now: to protect our ancient street and wharf well so that our culture can be passed down for generations,” Wu said.

Local officials and villagers alike emphasize that the World Heritage listing has become a shared responsibility and a catalyst for ongoing preservation and cultural engagement initiatives in Dongbu.