Painting a Dream: painter tries to bring change to hometown

As China's vast rural areas experience rapid development, many young people who used to seek employment in cities are returning home to explore other opportunities. In southwest China's Yunnan Province, a young man is trying to bring changes to his village while using his paint brushes. Yang Jinghao has the story.

He's called a "terminator" of shabby walls. Many say, with his brushes, even a dilapidated house would come back to life.

Twenty-seven-year-old Liu Zhicheng, better known as Liu Xiaobei, used to paint in big cities like Chongqing, where a creation featuring nine dragons made him famous.

Last summer, he decided to return home to his village in southwestern Yunnan Province.

LIU XIAOBEI Wall Painter "I wish my paintings would generate more tourism in my hometown so they can benefit economically. This is my ultimate goal."

Initially, many villagers didn't understand his creative ideas and the way he painted, even if it's all free of charge.

In an extreme case, his creation of Ne Zha, a classic Chinese cartoon figure, was erased by an elderly woman, as she believed the image would bring bad luck.

LIU XIAOBEI Wall Painter "I had mixed emotions – I felt a bit angry and sad, but I tried to understand her. I didn't want to argue with my fellow villagers over these things."

He didn't flinch though. Instead, he learned how to communicate with neighbors.

Now, the village is adorned with dozens of works of various themes. Xiaobei says each one is created with both exhaustion and happiness.

Reporter: "How long did it take to finish this one?"

Liu: "This one took about one week. There is a ditch by the wall, so it's difficult to set up a ladder. And another problem is that I had to climb down every little while and watch it from a distance to get a full view."

His paintings are now well-received, and more and more villagers have invited him to paint their walls. Xiaobei says this is the motivation he needs to carry on.

"You paint very well. Many have come here to take photos."

Next, he plans to paint more, highlighting the elements of his hometown, as well as traditional Chinese culture.

LIU XIAOBEI Wall Painter "I think our traditional culture shouldn't be lost, but be passed down to future generations. I know what I can do is limited, but I'll just try my best."

Xiaobei has also become an influencer after his paintings and creations were posted online. He now has more than one million followers on different platforms.

And what he will do next, he says, is to bring more good works to his hometown.

Sorce: CGTN; Photos by Xinhua Net; Editing by Mo Yingyi