A porcelain commission is brought to Raozhou, late 18th century

In this opening scene of the series, an official has just arrived at Jingdezhen by the Chang River. The red pagoda which can be seen has been a local landmark since the 10th century. The vessels with yellow flags are the imperial ones for tax collection, illustrating the caoyun system, literally the water transportation of tribute grain. At that time, local tax was payable in grain, bricks, porcelain, cloth and cotton.