Cultural Study Tour: Follow Chinese Farmer Painter Zhang Qingyi to learn painting skills

Introduction to Huxian Peasant Paintings:
Huxian Peasant Paintings (now under the jurisdiction of Huyi District, Xi'an City, hence also known as "Huxian Peasant Paintings") are a unique gem in China's folk art treasury. Renowned for their distinct regional characteristics, rich rural charm, and unadorned artistic style, they are hailed as "a representative of modern Chinese folk painting." Originating in the late 1950s and flourishing in the 1970s-1980s, they emerged as a distinctive art form where farmers use painting to express life emotions and document the changes of the times. Today, Huxian Peasant Paintings have been included in the Shaanxi Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage List, becoming a typical case of integrating Chinese folk art with rural cultural revitalization.

Introduction to Zhang Qingyi:
Zhang Qingyi was born in 1954 in Nansuo Village, Yuxia Town. He has loved painting since childhood. In 1973, he participated in a Huxian Peasant Painting creation workshop and has since created over 1,000 works. He currently holds titles such as First-Class Painter, Research Fellow at the China Peasants' Painting and Calligraphy Research Association, Member of the Shaanxi Artists Association, Vice Chairman of the Huxian Peasant Painting Association, and First-Class Huxian Peasant Painter. His style is ethereal and versatile, balancing realism and decoration, and exudes a sweet, vivid rural atmosphere. Over 100 of his works have been exhibited both domestically and internationally. Pieces such as Mountain Village Stage, Willow Weaving, Herding Cows, Village Theater, Spring Festival, and Carrying Fire to Welcome Spring have won national, provincial, and municipal awards. Melon Shed was included in the art textbook for fifth-grade primary schools; Bullfighting, Farmers Practicing Martial Arts, Courtyard, and Summer Night have been published in numerous domestic newspapers, magazines, and featured in radio and TV programs. In 2000 and 2009, he visited the U.S. twice and held successful solo exhibitions. He also served as the creator of the peasant painting opening credits for each episode of the hit CCTV drama Loess Sky (38 episodes) in 2018. Zhang Qingyi's studio has been designated as the "Peasant Painting Home," "Peasant Painting Artists' Guidance Station," and "Peasant Painting Village" by the County Party Committee's Publicity Department and the Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, Film, and Television. It maintains good partnerships with multiple domestic travel agencies, receiving thousands of domestic and foreign guests annually. In 2008, he also facilitated the "People-to-People" Friendship Group from the U.S. to build a 130,000-yuan library for his village school through his peasant paintings.

Detailed Program Schedule:

Morning:

• Departure: 8:30 AM

• Arrival: Approximately 1 hour later, at Zhang Qingyi's home in Nansuo Village, Huyi District.

Morning Activities:

1. Welcome Ceremony: Traditional Chinese dragon dance and land boat race; guests are invited to participate.

2. Experience Grinding Wheat or Corn with a Stone Mill.

3. Guided Tour of Collectibles: Under Mr. Zhang's guidance, explore his decades-old collection of agricultural tools, many of which hold historical significance.

4. Village Tour of Nansuo: Learn about local agricultural development and rural life.

5. Rural Labor Experience: Half an hour to one hour (adjusted based on the season and farmland conditions during the visit).

Lunch: Around 12:00 PM, served at Zhang Qingyi's home.

Afternoon Activities:

1. Lecture by Zhang Qingyi: A historical overview of Huxian Peasant Paintings, covering themes such as the Cultural Revolution, China's Reform and Opening-Up, the household contract responsibility system, modern agricultural development, and his personal growth journey.

2. 2-Hour Painting Workshop: Guided by Mr. Zhang, learn painting techniques and brushwork.

3. Feedback Session: Mr. Zhang will provide comments and feedback on participants' works.

Dinner: Learn to make Huxian Soft Noodles and prepare your own bowl. After dinner, return to Xi'an by car.