Artistic farmers paint a clear picture of rural China's progress

XI'AN — Drones spray pesticides over fields, livestreaming sales are made on smartphones, and sleek high-speed trains run on rail bridges stretching across landscapes. These rural yet modern scenes appear in the paintings of Zhang Qingyi, a 71-year-old farmer and painter from Shaanxi province.

Zhang was born in Huxian county, which is now the Huyi district of Xi'an, the provincial capital. Growing up in Huyi, one of the birthplaces of the Chinese folk art trend known as nongmin hua (farmer painting), he developed a strong interest in art at an early age.

After graduating from junior high school in 1970, Zhang returned to the countryside, where the deep roots of farmer painting and the atmosphere nurtured his artistic development.

Grounded in authentic depictions of life in the countryside, Zhang's paintings — ranging from field scenes to more niche themes, such as fighting crime — vividly chronicle how rural communities have transformed alongside the country's broader development over the decades.

"Every painting tells a story of farmers and their lives. In daily life, there are always moments that particularly touch me," Zhang says, adding that ordinary scenes often become his inspiration.

On his canvases, thatched huts have gradually given way to tiled houses and two-story buildings, manual labor has shifted to mechanized farming, and traditional farm attire has slowly been replaced by fashionable, modern clothing. For Zhang, these details are more than just artistic choices; they serve as a living record of the history and everyday life that he knows best.

Zhang is one of many farmer painters who are documenting China's rural revitalization through their art. An exhibition in Huyi showcased over 200 farmer paintings spanning various periods.

The exhibition hall's director, Wang Wenji, says that farmer paintings in the district date back to the 1950s, when they were primarily used to serve production by promoting agricultural knowledge and practices. With government support, it gradually expanded in scale, its content was enriched, and it has carried on with greater artistic depth.

The rural life depicted in farmer paintings has also become a bridge connecting the Chinese countryside with the world. Thousands of paintings are displayed in over 60 countries and regions, according to Wang.

"Through the paintings, foreigners can gain an understanding of the lives of Chinese farmers. This genre is very popular," Zhang says. His work has taken him to the United States on two occasions, where he made some American friends with whom he still keeps in touch.

Beyond exhibitions, an increasing number of people are trying their own hand at painting — one of the many art experiences now available in the countryside of Huyi. Supported by the local government's push to integrate agriculture, culture and tourism, a range of related initiatives have emerged, leading to the renovation of public art spaces, the creation of large-scale murals, and the establishment of art festivals.

As rural tourism continues to gain momentum nationwide, it is offering fresh experiences for tourists and tangible benefits for farmers. It is also attracting more young people to return to their rural hometowns to start businesses, such as guesthouses and cafes.

Zhang still spends eight to 10 hours painting every day, and sometimes teaches at nearby primary schools.

"Farmer painting is a local treasure. I hope to plant the seeds of creativity in the hearts of children, so that they will continue to depict fresh scenes of our rural life," he says.