Rural art museum becomes popular weekend getaway for city dwellers

The museum was built to modern standards. Its architecture style resembles courtyards typical of those found in the region south of the Yangtze River. It covers an area of just below 1 hectare, with more than 1,200 square meters of exhibition space. Each ticket costs 20 yuan ($2.87).

In the exhibition area, visitors can appreciate art that mostly reflects local culture and rural life. "The pieces reflect the lifestyle of the local villagers, which strikes a chord with visitors, and thus attracts more people to come," says Tao Chen, an official in charge of the museum's operation.

"The establishment of an art museum in a rural area also provides an opportunity to those who may never have visited one before, and it's the most meaningful part."

The museum hosts eight to 10 exhibitions a year and invites young artists and local farmers to engage in art creation－mostly focused on local rural life, culture and farming tools and techniques－and the artists are encouraged to explain their work to the audience.

Tao says the museum not only operates at the standard of a top art museum, but also promotes the local culture. "We hope to involve more villagers and have them join in with artwork development," Tao says.

At the moment, the museum's pastoral art season, which opened in May, has been popular with visitors from the city.