A technician crafts a piece of sand pottery. [Photo/Yangquan Daily]

Pingding county in Yangquan is strengthening its renowned sand pottery industry by increasing variety, improving quality, and building a strong brand.

The county is establishing a comprehensive industrial chain that integrates research, production, logistics, and marketing, ensuring a holistic approach to industry development.

To nurture technical talent, authorities have set up training bases, offered diverse programs, and invited skilled craftsmen to share their expertise. Sand pottery courses have been introduced at local vocational schools and colleges.

Pingding encourages innovation by fostering partnerships between sandware manufacturers and esteemed academic institutions. A prime example is Pingding Guanyao Sandware Art Co, which has developed over 1,000 new varieties by refining raw material formulas and kiln temperature control.

A variety of sand pottery pieces crafted in Yangquan. [Photo/Yangquan Daily]

The strategic layout of three major industrial parks facilitates the specialized division of labor and intensive development in the production process. Efficient logistics have streamlined the industry's circulatory network, with the e-commerce platform handling over 4,000 purple sand teapots annually.

The integration of online and physical sales channels has expanded the market reach for sand pottery products. Establishing marketing outlets in Guangdong and Sichuan provinces, along with implementing the "Pingding Sandware" provincial local standard, provides a solid foundation for market expansion.

Pingding is home to 202 enterprises involved in purple sand, sandware, and ceramics manufacturing, including seven large-scale enterprises and four specialized, innovative companies. With 26 production lines and over 3,600 employees, the annual output is projected to eventually exceed 800 million yuan ($112.44 million).

A young sand pottery artisan practices this ancient craft. [Photo/Yangquan Daily]