A mural artist is depicting the picturesque landscape along the No. 1 Highway in Fancheng, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, on the wall.

The Text and the Photo by Ding Tao and Wang Jingjing, the Journalists, and Zhang Yuting, the Correspondent

“Mom, look! There’s a general riding a horse on this wall—and a boat on that one.” On April 5, the second day of the Qingming Festival holiday, Liu Wenwen visited the No. 1 Highway in Fancheng, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, with her mother and daughter. Passing through an underpass in the Putuo Residential Compound, they found that the once plain white walls had been transformed into a series of themed murals inspired by the culture of the Three Kingdoms period, adding vivid interest to the surroundings.

“It used to be just blank walls here. Now they’ve become paintings. My daughter and my mother both wanted to take photos—it feels like the whole road has come alive,” Liu said with a smile.

Along the highway, many walls have quietly undergone a “makeover.” In the Xiongying Residential Compound, Zhangwanggang Village, Zhanghu Village, and beyond, distinctive murals seem to “grow” out of the walls, drawing passersby to stop and admire them.

This initiative is part of Niushou Town’s efforts to advance township development with enhanced functions and improve the living environment.

“We create on-site works by incorporating Niushou Town’s local characteristics, blending natural landscapes, historical heritage, and tourist routes into the murals,” said mural artist Jia Meng. Jia’s team is working simultaneously at multiple sites, focusing on three themes: red education, integrated agriculture-culture-tourism development, and traditional opera culture.

The poetic imagery of the classic poem “Mooring by Maple Bridge at Night” echoes the cultural legacy of the poet Zhang Ji’s hometown. The grand historical episode “Flooding the Seven Armies” from the Three Kingdoms period forms a strong cultural and tourism linkage with Guansheng Ancient Town. Meanwhile, local attractions such as Longevity Island, Putuoyan Reservoir, and the No. 1 Highway are vividly brought to life on the walls… More than a dozen murals themed on agriculture, culture, and tourism have been unveiled opposite the Zhutiao Gas Station in the Xiongying Residential Compound.

“I was really impressed when I saw these murals. They depict Niushou Town’s Hanshui River ferry crossing, the flower fields of Putuoyan, and even historical stories like “Flooding the Seven Armies.” You can immediately see how many beautiful landscapes and rich stories Niushou Town has—I’ll definitely come back,” said resident Li Meng.

The murals not only beautify the environment but also serve as vivid cultural and tourism showcases. Lei Sha, a member of the town’s Party committee in charge of publicity, said: “By using murals as a medium, we are tapping into Niushou Town’s cultural and tourism resources, linking scenic spots, developing boutique routes, and enhancing our brand influence, to make Niushou Town a popular destination for suburban leisure trips and short getaways.”

So far, murals themed on red education and on the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism have largely been completed. The next phase will focus on traditional opera culture, centering on the protected Niushou Opera Tower located within the No. 1 Middle School of Niushou Fancheng. By exploring opera art and its heritage, the town plans to create an opera-themed public square and expand outreach activities.

“This series of murals not only improves the living environment but also serves as an important window for showcasing Niushou Town’s cultural and tourism image. Visitors can enjoy the scenery, appreciate the artwork, and learn about the new changes in Fancheng’s countryside along the way,” said Yuan Weiwei from the town’s publicity office.

As part of a rural revitalization initiative known as the “Four Key Actions,” Niushou Town has also carried out comprehensive environmental improvements alongside mural projects. Building facades, signage, and other streetscape elements along Jinniu Street and Linjiang Road have been upgraded in a coordinated manner.

“We have standardized street-facing facades, signage, and security window grilles, and regulated business operations to improve the overall environment and make life more comfortable for residents.”

From “wall painting” to “giving voice to the wall,” Niushou Town harnesses the power of art to empower rural communities, leverages culture to illuminate the path toward holistic rural revitalization, and fulfills the dual mission of “cultivating people through art” and “nurturing people through culture,” accentuating the distinctive characteristics of rural areas.