Farmers' paintings enhance tourism in Hunan village

Walking into Wushi village of Xiaohe town in Liuyang, Central China's Hunan province, people will be amazed by paintings on the walls and windows of farmers' houses. These paintings by local farmers form a harmonious living environment, with mountains and rivers in the backdrop.

Two years ago, to relieve poverty, local government started teaching farmers painting skills; over 50 farmers are now skilled painters.

Paintings by local farmers have been sold to people from many countries and regions, including South Korea, Japan and Singapore, with sales up to 10 million yuan last year. Over 30 families have risen out of poverty, thanks to the painting industry.

Now the paintings are the best namecard for the village.

A village street is under construction as a demonstration project. Oil paintings will be painted on houses along the street. In addition, art galleries, exhibition areas and training rooms will be built. A Bed-and-Breakfast hotel business is also part of the village's development plans.

"The street is a window to show the beautiful landscape and the spiritual features of our village,"said Lai Ping, head of the village.

Since the project was put forward in June, it has been widely supported and welcomed by villagers, Lai said. For example, Bu Maocheng, from Wushi village, has renovated his house into a rural art gallery that houses many art works.