Embracing creative growth

Lyu Jianqin speaks with pride whenever she introduces a particular piece of artwork to visitors coming to her home in Shiziyuan village.

It is a carved painting, featuring an image of her drying tea leaves under the sun, by artist Xiang Yang.

"I didn't know anything about art at all, let alone think of being featured in an artwork," the 46-year-old says.

Lyu's life took a surprising turn last year as the project, Art at Fuliang, which began in May, permeated the village that sits in Fuliang county, Jingdezhen, East China's Jiangxi province, with a creative vibe.

More than 20 artists from five different countries brought artworks that were inspired by local elements and turned Fuliang into an art zone.

Fuliang is famous for its porcelain and tea, both of which used to make their way to far-flung destinations in ancient times via the Maritime Silk Road.