Embracing creative growth

The idea is to preserve and show the traces of history, and the memory of these two houses.

The art project was aimed at revitalizing the rural areas of Fuliang through art. Idle village buildings, warehouses, empty land and tea gardens were all involved in the creative process.

Rather than short-term urban art exhibitions, the Fuliang event taps into local culture and is intended to take root in the village in the long term, says Sun Qian, a co-organizer of the event.

That's why local villagers have been encouraged to join.

Lyu is among more than 50 villagers who have received training to explain the art to visitors.

To date, Art in Fuliang has drawn in more than 60,000 visitors, which gave local catering and homestay businesses a much-needed shot in the arm.

"Through continuous contact and exchange with tourists and artists, local villagers, especially guides for farmers' art, have significantly improved their cultural confidence, sense of achievement and happiness, and deepened their love of the land under their feet," Sun says.

Since the art project was held, Lyu's life has got easier.

"It was exhausting when I had to get up at 3 am and trek to a fair to sell our tea," Lyu says.

"Now, people just knock on my door and ask for tea and other farm produce," she says.

About 10 minutes' drive away, Xu Dexing is running a booming catering business at his parents' old house.

"We did some renovations and opened in May, because I believed people would come for the art event," the 33-year-old says.