The Academy of Fine Arts at Shanxi University and Huozhou -- a county-level city in North China's Shanxi province -- held a launch ceremony for the establishment of practical teaching and research centers in Huozhou on June 16.

At the ceremony, Wang Zhijun, dean of Academy of Fine Arts, signed the agreement with Lyu Wenbo, vice-mayor of Huozhou, to jointly develop the center.

Chencun village – located in Bailong town, administered by Huozhou – was designated one of practical teaching and research centers and art practice centers in the city.

Wang said that the Academy of Fine Arts had always focused on the research of cultural resources, as well as protecting and promoting traditional Chinese culture.

Officials of Huozhou said that establishing practical teaching and research centers in Huozhou would help promote the reputation of city and provide support for the development of Huozhou's culture, tourism, rural and urban development.

Wang Zhijun (left), dean of Academy of Fine Arts, signs the agreement with Lyu Wenbo, vice-mayor of Huozhou, to jointly develop the practical teaching and research center in Huozhou, on June 16. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

The nameplate of practical teaching and research center is unveiled in Chencun village on June 16. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]