Rongchang Pottery (荣昌陶器)

Why it is worth considering

Rongchang, west of Chongqing's city center, is one of China's old pottery towns — its pottery (荣昌陶) is one of the district's three national intangible heritages, alongside Rongchang linen (夏布) and folding fans. The local Antao Town (安陶小镇) gathers kilns, workshops, and markets where visitors can watch potters throw and buy directly.

For buyers, Rongchang pottery is the earthy counterpoint to fine porcelain: rustic glazes, honest shapes, and tea sets that look better with use. Small cups and bowls are the travel-safe entry point.

Before you buy, check

• Check for cracks and chips by tapping gently — a clear ring means the piece is sound.
• Hand-thrown pieces show subtle throwing rings; perfectly uniform pieces are likely mold-made and priced lower.
• Small cups, bowls, and tea caddies are the travel-safe sizes; save large vases for hand-carry.
• Ask the shop to wrap pieces individually with padding — reputable sellers do this routinely.

Good to know

• Heavy and fragile — budget the weight in your luggage and carry the box as hand luggage if possible.
• If buying a tea set, confirm all pieces share the same glaze batch; mismatched sets are common at markets.