Art tradition brings unexpected fame to northeast China

A painting by Yu Xian, a native of Huadian, Northeast China's Jilin province, depicts members of the Korean ethnic group in the area. [Photo by Kang Meihua/ for chinadaily.com.cn]

Huadian, in northeast China's Jilin province, enjoys a nationwide reputation for its peasant artwork tradition, which is defined by its use of vibrant color and agricultural themes. 
Thanks to this tradition, the city has seen an unexpected surge in popularity in recent years among art collectors and tourists alike. 
The paintings not only bring color to the lives of those who purchase them, but also provide an essential source of income to their creators, many of whom have disabilities, greatly improving their quality of life. 
The painters' creativity brings them financial independence, along with confidence, according to Ji Honghua, deputy director of the local federation for people with disabilities. 
The federation started to offer free courses on peasant painting in 2014. More than 100 people with disabilities have since availed of the courses, with some winning national awards for their paintings.