By equipping trainees with skills to earn a livelihood, the school not only fosters career development but also ensures the preservation of cultural heritage. Also recognized as the Yixing Dingshu Community Education Center and the Jiangsu Province Ceramic Art Vocational Training Base, this institution transcends conventional education.

It acts as a crucible for creativity, forging a connection between ancient craftsmanship and contemporary industry, thereby establishing its distinct presence in the vocational education landscape.

With an impressive expanse covering nearly 4 hectares and a built-up area exceeding 11,000 square meters, the investment in this educational powerhouse tops RMB 80 million (about US$11 million). Such a commitment speaks volumes of its mission: to not only uphold the rich pottery-making tradition of Dingshu town but also propel it into the future with cutting-edge techniques and a market-driven approach.

According to Jiang Feng, a researcher and craft artist at the Jiangsu Ceramic Art Training Base, the school prides itself on utilizing locally sourced clay unique to the region.

This tradition of transforming clay into vibrant pots is a cherished heritage of the area, passed down and refined through generations.

Jiang Feng explained the evolution of this craft, highlighting the blend of traditional pot-making techniques with modern tools. "This technique has been spread through generations and improved along the process of inheritance," she notes, underlining the diversity of pots produced, which remain faithful to traditional designs while incorporating contemporary methodologies.

The staff roster is as diverse as it is specialized, with 18 full-time teachers, 24 staff members, and 96 part-time professors. This core team is augmented by more than 260 ceramic art professionals and over 800 volunteers, all dedicated to the school’s dual mission of education and community service. With the capacity to accommodate 1,000 participants at any given time, the school is a bustling hub of learning and creativity.

Central to its philosophy is the motto “Cultivating through Pottery,” a guiding principle that underlines the school’s commitment to an education that is deeply intertwined with the ceramic industry and the local economy. The goal is not just to preserve the ancient pottery culture of Dingshu but to infuse it with new life, offering unique educational features that resonate deeply within the community.

What sets the Yixing Dingshu Adult Culture and Technology School apart is its dedication to developing a community education model characterized by the enchanting "Tea Pot Charm and the Allure of Dingshu." This model places a strong emphasis on service and public welfare, supporting not only the ceramic industry but also fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Yixing, proudly known as the "Pottery Capital."

The school’s campus itself is a physical manifestation of its educational ethos. Designed with the freedom and fluidity of creativity in mind, the campus features a mix of workshops and classrooms, each an independent structure linked by semi-outdoor porches.

This design fosters a dynamic environment where ideas and inspirations flow as freely as the materials being molded by the hands of the students. The use of materials like redbrick and fair-faced concrete echoes the earthy essence of pottery, grounding the students’ experiences in the tactile reality of their craft.

Since its establishment three years ago, the Yixing Dingshu Adult Culture and Technology School has not only honored the 2,000-year-old legacy of pottery-making in Dingshu but has also positioned itself as a leader in vocational education. By bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern educational techniques, the school stands as a shining example of how preserving heritage and embracing innovation can go hand in hand, shaping the future of an industry and the community that surrounds it.

A student at the school making final touches on her clay pot.

Making a beautiful teapot requires meticulous attention, patience and discipline.

This tradition of transforming clay into vibrant pots is a cherished heritage of the area, passed down and refined through generations.

Since its establishment, the Yixing Dingshu Adult Culture and Technology School has not only honored the 2,000-year-old legacy of pottery-making in Dingshu but has also positioned itself as a leader in vocational education.

Jiang Feng explained that they blend traditional pot-making techniques with modern tools.

What sets the Yixing Dingshu Adult Culture and Technology School apart is its dedication to developing a community education model characterized by the enchanting "Tea Pot Charm and the Allure of Dingshu."

Designed with the freedom and fluidity of creativity in mind, the campus features a mix of workshops and classrooms, each an independent structure linked by semi-outdoor porches.

The entrance of Yixing Dingshu Adult Culture and Technology School.

Théophile Niyitegeka/ Dingshu, China