Chizhou University Fine Arts Department Documents Traditional Culture Through Laotian Village Sketching Expedition

On October 12, faculty and students from Chizhou University’s Fine Arts program embarked on a creative field study in Laotian Village—a millennium-old settlement in Jiuhua Township. This initiative immersed participants in rural life to document cultural heritage through artistic practice, capturing the village’s evolving landscape while infusing cultural vitality into rural revitalization efforts.

During morning explorations, the group traversed Laotian’s ancient stone pathways and alleyways, absorbing the natural scenery along the Jade Belt River. Under faculty guidance, students translated the village’s rustic architecture and folk traditions onto canvas through meticulous brushwork. Their works authentically portrayed traditional structures, pastoral vistas, and the industrious spirit of local farmers, evoking profound rural ambiance through artistic interpretation.

Situated west of the Jiuhua River facing the Grand Wish Cultural Park, Laotian Village boasts over 2,000 years of history dating to the Western Han Dynasty. Recognized as one of Anhui’s inaugural "Millennium Ancient Villages," a provincial historic-cultural site, and a national traditional village, its legacy encompasses historical artifacts, craftsmanship, and intangible heritage. Through direct engagement with villagers, participants gained insights into local preservation commitment and cultural transmission.

Professor Sun, lead instructor of the Fine Arts program, emphasized the department’s dedication to nurturing appreciation for traditional culture. This fieldwork—integral to practical coursework—deepened understanding of China’s cultural profundity through experiential creation. Students pledged continued efforts to artistically preserve rural beauty and cultural treasures, contributing to safeguarding China’s intangible heritage.

The expedition enhanced students’ artistic refinement while advancing Laotian’s cultural preservation and rural development. Collaborative societal efforts promise to revitalize more villages and perpetuate the inheritance of Chinese cultural traditions.