Locals paint a prosperous future in Shandong

The Heze peony, with its vibrant color and spectacular shape, has long been held as a regional treasure. In recent years, locals have utilized this cultural symbol to create traditional brush paintings as a way to rise up out of poverty.

Juye county in Heze, East China's Shandong province, has established four painting towns, 50 painting villages and 44 local art schools that offer jobs for 15,000 people.

Their large-scale peony painting has appeared at the SCO Qingdao Summit, China International Import Expo and other major events. The peony painting industry has become a cultural trait for locals to increase their income.