Deep within the fertile landscapes of eastern Zhuanghe, Lizifang Township has cultivated a unique cultural legacy that transforms everyday rural life into stunning visual narratives. For decades, this community has harnessed the expressive power of farmers' paintings—a folk art form rooted in local traditions—to paint a colorful vision of乡村振兴.
This special feature series shines a spotlight on the township's remarkable journey, exploring how this once-humble craft has evolved into a cornerstone of community identity and economic opportunity. The paintings, characterized by bold hues and dynamic compositions, capture scenes as diverse as fishermen casting nets, farmers harvesting crops, and the exuberant energy of festival processions, serving as a vivid documentary of life on the Liaodong Peninsula.
Rooted in Tradition, Nourished by Local Soil
The origins of Lizifang's farmers' paintings trace back to the 1980s, emerging organically from indigenous folk practices such as paper-cutting, mural art, and embroidery. Local artists, many of whom are farmers themselves, wield their brushes with an instinctive flair, using exaggerated forms and striking color contrasts to portray the rhythms of agrarian existence. This art form is not merely decorative; it is a heartfelt chronicle of a people deeply connected to their land.
Passing the Brush to a New Generation
To ensure the continuity of this cherished tradition, Lizifang has integrated farmers' painting into the curriculum of local primary and secondary schools. Through dedicated training bases for folk culture, young students learn to depict their hometown's landscapes and customs from an early age. Presently, the township has fostered six officially recognized representative inheritors at both Dalian and Zhuanghe municipal levels, creating a robust pipeline of talent that bridges veteran artists with emerging youth. Encouragingly, numerous young people who once sought work in distant cities are now returning home to apprentice under master painters, dividing their time between productive farmland and creative studios—a balance that enriches both their cultural lives and their incomes.
From Rural Fields to Prestigious Galleries
The journey of Lizifang's artists from obscurity to recognition is a testament to strategic cultural development. The township organizes an annual folk culture festival and painting competitions, providing grassroots creators with platforms to showcase their work. In 2025, over eighty selected pieces were exhibited at the Dalian Art Museum, marking a significant milestone. That same year, the township's cultural station was designated a Liaoning Province top-tier facility, while its folk art training base received both national and provincial honors as a lifelong learning brand project. These accolades underscore the growing official and public appreciation for this distinctive art form.
Blending Culture with Tourism for Sustainable Development
Lizifang is now pioneering an integrated model that combines farmers' painting with rural tourism and educational experiences, all while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability. This innovative approach has earned the township dual titles as a "Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture and Art" and a "Hometown of Liaoning Folk Culture and Art." Today, farmers' paintings serve as more than just cultural artifacts; they act as a unifying force that strengthens community bonds, fosters civilized rural customs, and drives local development forward. Each brushstroke celebrates the beauty of daily life, and every splash of color evokes the deep nostalgia that ties residents to their homeland. Looking ahead, Lizifang is dedicated to nurturing this artistic heritage as an emotional bridge, painting a future of cultural flourishing, prosperity, and pastoral splendor.
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