Yankenglingtou village is a well-known village for painters because of its natural scenery and culture. [Photo/Lishui Daily]

"The natural landscape and the simple ancient dwellings here has left a deep impression on us," declared Jiang Xiayu, a sophomore student from Yangzhou University, after visiting Yankenglingtou village in Fengping town.

Fengping is in Songyang county – administered by Lishui city in East China's Zhejiang province – and Jiang was there for the first time with her teachers and classmates.

Jiang is one of the many art students from universities who come to this remote village to draw inspiration from its natural scenery and rich culture.

Yankenglingtou village nestles in the mountains at an altitude of 730 meters and has a recorded history going back more than 300 years. In 2014, the village was listed in the third batch of China's traditional villages.

This beautiful village was once being hollowed out – with its residents moving to other regions for work. But with the efforts of the local government and villagers, it has now become a well-known place for artists that attracts nearly 30,000 painters, art students and tourists every year.

Yankenglingtou village is said to be a prime example of how art can vitalize rural areas and promote common prosperity. By preserving its traditional culture and natural environment, the village has created a new source of income and happiness for its residents.