Tengchong Jade Center

Tengchong Jade Center 腾冲翡翠城 is located in Tengchong City, it is the one of the largest jade trading markets in Yunnan Province.

The jade industry in Tengchong has a rich history as the birthplace of China’s jade processing and carving craftsmanship. For over 400 years, jade carving has been a foundational pillar of Tengchong’s industrial and economic growth, renowned nationwide for its intricate artistry, extensive application, and cultural significance.

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

The jade industry in Tengchong (腾冲翡翠加工业) began in the mid-Ming Dynasty and reached its height during the Qing Dynasty. Before the 1950s, Tengchong was the largest distribution and trading center for Burmese jade and served as the country’s only import channel, earning it the reputation as the “Jade City” (翡翠城). Over time, jade flowed from Tengchong across vast trade routes: via Bhamo and Yangon to Singapore, Sumatra, and India, or from Myanmar’s Hpakant to Ledo and Calcutta in India. Another route stretched from Kunming to Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Initially, the jade was relatively unknown, and processing in Tengchong remained limited. Most jadeite raw materials were transported to places like Yongchang (永昌) and Dali (大理) for crafting and local sale. However, due to market demand, many artisans migrated to Tengchong, establishing workshops around Luo Village (罗村) and the old Chenghuang Temple (老城隍庙). These early artisans primarily created handheld pieces, earrings, hair ornaments, and Buddhist figurines, largely focusing on the natural forms of the jade.

Flourishing Craftsmanship and Artisan Workshops

With economic growth and urban expansion during the early Qing Dynasty, the scale of jade production in Tengchong expanded significantly. Workshops flourished, with distinct production roles such as jade segmentation, rough carving, fine detailing, polishing, and finishing. Artisans expertly used tools to balance shape and spirit, structure, and aesthetics. This era saw the production of intricate Buddhist figures, lifelike depictions of people, and vibrant representations of flowers and birds, establishing a thriving jade carving industry.

By the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, the demand for jade as a collectible item grew exponentially. According to the Tengchong County Annals (腾冲县志), “In the early Republic, over 100 jade carving workshops operated in Tengchong, employing more than 3,000 artisans.” Skilled craftsmen from across China were drawn to Tengchong, contributing diverse styles, creating a vibrant industry characterized by variety and artistic rivalry.

Artistic Styles and Influence of National Techniques

Throughout this period, jade carving drew from various regional art styles, especially from Beijing, Shanghai, and Yangzhou. Beijing style emphasized rounded shapes and simplicity, often creating Buddhist and human figures. Shanghai and Yangzhou styles, in contrast, featured intricate layering and sophisticated detail, typically producing bird, insect, and fish motifs. Works from this period were celebrated for their rich variety, aesthetic complexity, and high craftsmanship, often envied by modern artisans.

War, Decline, and Post-War Resurgence

During the later years of the Republic of China and the early years following liberation, the jade industry declined due to war and other socio-economic factors. However, with peace and social development, the jade carving industry gradually revived. Notable pieces from this period include the jade sculpture Sowing the Spring (播春), designed by artist Yin Bilin (尹必霖) in 1967. This piece captures a beautiful Dai (傣族) girl sowing seeds under spring sunlight, her expression filled with hope, showcasing a unique ethnic aesthetic. It received praise from art experts when exhibited in Beijing.

Emergence of Contemporary Artisans

Recently, young artisans like Yang Shuming (杨树明) have emerged, distinguishing themselves through mastery and creative techniques. Yang’s Dragon Horse (龙骏) portrays a mythical dragon-like steed soaring through the clouds, with Han-style characteristics fused with Qing Dynasty influences. His Laughing Lion Arhat (笑狮罗汉), depicting a solemn Arhat cradling a treasure gourd with a majestic lion on his shoulder, reflects profound meaning and expert artistry. Yang is particularly skilled in both traditional and contemporary themes, producing works rich in imagination and subtlety, making his pieces highly sought after by collectors.

Jade Culture in Tengchong

Jade culture in Tengchong originates from central Chinese jade traditions but has evolved uniquely, shaped by local customs and beliefs. Jade occupies a prominent place in Tengchong life and is embedded deeply within the local culture.

Jade in Everyday Life

Tengchong locals have always revered jade, integrating it into daily life and customs. Whether in homes, teahouses, or inns, jade is a common topic of conversation, and stories of jade’s mystical origins are passed down across generations. Jade is used in rituals, for protection, and as adornment, and it is the most valuable gift for celebrations and weddings. Elders, on their deathbed, often entrust family jade bracelets as cherished heirlooms, symbolizing jade’s deep cultural significance in Tengchong.

Historical and Geographic Roots of Tengchong Jade

Jade’s influence in Tengchong can be traced back over 500 years when Tengchong merchants, through their commercial activities in Burma, discovered jade and began incorporating it into local culture. In his essay, A Survey of the Wilderness Mountains (《野人山调查记》), Qing Dynasty scholar Yin Zijian (尹子监) documented the jade trade, noting, “The Wilderness Mountain [Yeren Shan] is the land of the Mangyang and Tea Mountain jurisdictions.” The Gazetteer of Tengyue Prefecture (《腾越厅志》) also highlights, “Jade stones, prized for their clear red and white color, and supreme jadeite, hailed from Lijing.” These records affirm that Tengchong people were among the first to discover and cultivate jade culture, and that the jade region historically belonged to China.

With jade’s discovery, Tengchong traders opened multiple routes to jade mines, advancing extraction, transport, processing, and distribution to an unprecedented level. This foundation earned Tengchong the lasting title of “Jade City” in Chinese jade history.

Tengchong Jade Industry Today

In modern times, with technological advancements, Tengchong’s jade industry has expanded considerably. Currently, the county hosts nearly 300 jade workshops and employs around 5,000 artisans. Over 50 companies and business associations hold exclusive jade trading licenses, with thousands more individuals engaged in jade trade, employing about 20,000 people in jade processing across the county. Jade production has fully mechanized, greatly enhancing efficiency, artistic techniques, and global reach.

Tengchong’s jade history is marked by rare masterpieces, most of which were lost during the wars of the 20th century. However, since the liberation, new generations of jade artisans have emerged, carrying on this legacy and creating works celebrated nationally and internationally.

Jade’s Enduring Legacy

With a 5,000-year tradition of jade culture, over 400 years of jade craftsmanship, and proximity to Burma’s jade mines, Tengchong continues to evolve as a global jade hub. The shared vision of developing the jewelry industry ensures that Tengchong, the “Jade City,” will shine even more brightly on the world stage.