The Jingui Nature Bookroom at Jingui Village in Pingshan District. File photo

Jingui Village in Pingshan, known for its picturesque natural scenery, and Dafen Village in Longgang, a hub of China’s oil painting industry, have teamed up to advance cultural and tourism initiatives and revitalize rural areas.

Shenzhen Jingui Eco-Cultural Tourism Development Co. Ltd. and Shenzhen Dafen Shareholding Co. recently signed a strategic partnership agreement. Under the deal, Dafen’s art resources will be used to offer aesthetics classes at the Jingui Nature Bookroom. Dafen’s expertise will also be leveraged to create Hakka-themed and nature-themed murals in Jingui. In addition, exhibitions and sales of original oil paintings will be held at more than 30 homestays and shops across Jingui.

Both sides will further organize plein-air painting activities, host outdoor art installation exhibitions, and develop creative products themed around local villages and oil paintings. Dafen will contribute its brand, artist networks, and marketing channels to boost Jingui’s cultural tourism, while Pingshan District will enhance tourism infrastructure and services.

A sunset view of Jingui River. Photo by Su Jingju

A glance at Jingui Village. Photo by Yan Wenting

“Jingui has ancient trees, streams, and Hakka architecture — making it an exceptional natural studio for oil painting. Dafen brings a complete art industry chain, an expert team, and commercial experience,” said a Jingui representative.

Dafen representatives said they are highly interested in Jingui’s authentic Hakka landscapes, calling them an invaluable creative resource.

The partnership is Pingshan’s latest initiative under its rural development program, following earlier successes in revitalizing ancient Hakka houses through cultural and theatrical projects in Changshou Village.

The next step is to roll out joint programs that embed art resources into everyday village life and boost cultural tourism, creating a replicable model for art-driven rural development in Shenzhen.