Artists from home and abroad participate in an exhibition in Songyang county, Zhejiang province. [Photo/cet.com.cn]

With the renovation and upgrading of its run-down residential houses, as well as continuous efforts to introduce artistic events, Songyang, a remote county in southern Zhejiang, is being added to more artistic hues, including a recent international art exhibition which opened on Feb 22.

After the Chinese New Year, some 30 artists from home and abroad showcased more than 100 pieces of artworks at newly renovated rural houses in Houshe village of Songyang, making the previous shabby places must-visit spots for tourists and villagers.

Shan Zeng, a professor from China Academy of Art and also a participant of the exhibition, said that in the future, they will organize more art exhibitions themed on rural landscapes such as farmlands and mountains in Houshe to help the village explore a new development path.

Old residential houses in Houshe village of Songyang county are transformed into an art gallery. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Houshe used to be a less-developed region due to its poor transportation condition in the mountainous area and insufficient labor force.

Several years ago, Songyang initiated a plan of action to renovate and upgrade over 200 old houses within the county and put forward a program to revitalize rural areas through the power of art.

Thanks to the plan and the program, some rural houses in Houshe village have been successfully transformed into an art gallery, becoming an important venue for art events. At the same time, the village is reaching out to domestic and international artists in hope of getting their help to develop the art industry.