Peony painting by 8 women win global acclaim for Heze

In Juye county, Heze, Shandong province – known as the hometown of Chinese peonies – eight women artists have gained international attention for their exquisite gongbi (meticulous brushwork) painting of peonies, which was displayed in an exhibition at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing until April 8.

The artists, Li Qiaoling, Zhang Yunxue, Chang Xiujuan, Hong Xiaoyan, Tian Linlin, Pei Weiwei, Zhang Yumei, and Hu Yongmei, all local farmers, spent months creating a long scroll featuring blooming peonies in various colors and poses. Their delicate brushwork captures the flower's elegance, from the soft curves of petals to the vivid interplay of ink and color.

The eight artists pose for a photo with their peony gongbi painting at the Global Summit of Women in 2025. [Photo/Dazhong News]

The scroll, measuring 10 meters in length and 1m in width, showcases the beauty of Juye's signature peony varieties and reflects the deep bond between the local people and the national flower. Last October, the artists appeared at the Global Summit of Women with their work, amazing the world. The artists' work has been exhibited at home and abroad, drawing praise from art lovers and collectors. 

Juye county has long been renowned for its gongbi paintings of peonies, which combines fine line drawing with layered coloring. In recent years, the county has supported training programs to help farmers, especially women, master this art form as a way to increase income and preserve cultural heritage.

Artists paint peonies. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Currently, the county has eight professional painting towns, 50 painting villages, 70 grassroots art academies, and over 25,000 people employed in the industry. Juye's painting and calligraphy sector now generates a stable annual output value of 4.5 billion yuan ($658.53 million).

（chinadaily.com.cn）