In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, 19 nationally renowned artists visited the Xumi Mountain scenic area in Guyuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region on Saturday, where they painted on location along with local artists.

The Xumi Mountain scenic area in Guyuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region is home to one of China's most famous grottoes. [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

The Xumi Mountain Grottoes, established during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), are counted among the most precious examples of the form in China. With a profound cultural legacy that stretches back 1,500 years, the mountain temple, pavilions and towers blend harmoniously with the lush pines and cypresses. The grand Buddha, often shrouded in light rain and mist, appears solemn and mysterious.

An artist at work at the Xumi Mountain scenic area in Guyuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region on Saturday. [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

On Saturday, the artists chose different locations to paint, including beneath the Grand Buddha, in front of the entrance to the grottoes and beside the Bodhi trees. As they worked, many tourists gathered to observe and admire. After more than five hours of painstaking work, a variety of oil paintings, each showcasing different scenes and styles, were presented. The unique charm of the Xumi Mountain Grottoes was encapsulated in these paintings.

An artist at work at the foot of the giant Buddha. [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

Early on Sunday morning, the group of artists visited the Jinjiping Terrace Fields in Pengyang county, Guyuan. From a high vantage point, the terraces cascaded, winding like a dragon's spine, offering a breathtaking view. As the sun rose, the artists set up their palettes and began to capture the scene. This "fingerprint of the earth", nestled in the Loess Plateau, was brought to life with new vitality through the artists' brushes.

Two artists at work above the Jinjiping Terrace Fields in Pengyang county, Guyuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/cn.chinadaily.com.cn]

The artists also visited Liupan Mountain and Huoshizhai National Geological Park to record the development and changes in Guyuan in the new era from various perspectives.