Three-dimensional paintings have been created on the streetfront of a village in Pingnan county, Fujian province, to attract tourists. [Zhang Bin/China News Service]

Painting, traditional opera prove key draws for rural community in Fujian province

A group of artists has been breaking established norms by deciding to uproot and relocate to a traditional Chinese village, leaving behind their jobs, homes and city lives in the process.

Longtan village, nestled deep in the mountains of Pingnan county, Fujian province, began seeing painters, designers and freelancers flock there last year.

"We couldn't believe it at first," said longtime resident Chen Ziban. "Young people used to leave here for jobs in the cities, but now it's the other way around."

Just two years ago, the village had only about 200 residents. Its school was shut down due to a lack of students and some homes were abandoned. Today, it has a population of more than 1,000.

Last year, authorities launched a project to help rejuvenate traditional villages through cultural and creative industries.

"The best way to revive the village is to bring talent in," said Lin Zhenglu, who is in charge of the project to restore Longtan's cultural traditions. Born in Fujian, Lin spent many years teaching painting in Shanghai.

"Many city folk envy those living in the countryside, especially places with a rich history and culture," Lin said. "But they also worry about rural living conditions."