For centuries, Nangyang in Henan province has been a home for great artists and thinkers, who across millennia have shaped the landscape and attitudes of the people there.

Legends such as the writer Er Yuehe, who wrote biographical novels of the great emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), or the Tang Dynasty (618–907) poet and writer Han Yu, who waxed lyrical on Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Today, the artistic spirit remains strong in Nanyang, with a diverse array of young writers, poets, painters frequently gathering in their many groups to share and produce works for publication and exhibition.

With the New Year bells still faintly ringing in the ears, a group of painters have released a series of watercolors portraying many of Nanyang's iconic buildings and locations.

Neixiang Local Magistrate’s Office Museum. [Photo/Nanyang Daily]

The Wuhou Memorial Temple in Wolonggang. [Photo/Nanyang Daily]

The Medical Sage Temple in Nanyang. [Photo/Nanyang Daily]