The painting is among many such works on show at the National Museum of China that focus on role models. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The painter says he felt excited about his commission because it allowed him to showcase not only his technical skills but also experience life in areas inhabited by other ethnic groups.

The painting, titled Deeply Rooted in the Grassroots, shows Gabulong with 20-odd people of different ethnic groups in Qinghai.

Fan Di'an, head of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, says the project was challenging because besides having to portray the role models, the artists also had to depict the people they worked with or served, so that viewers could understand the challenges they had to cope with.

Wang Jianyuan says the exhibition will encourage his fellow villagers to continue their fight to overcome poverty.

"We also invite people from neighboring villages to see what we have achieved. We want to share our experiences so that more villages can get out of poverty.

"It's a battle that demands long-term commitment."

If you go

9 am-5 pm, Mondays closed, through Oct 29. 16 East Chang'an Avenue, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6511-6400.