Shanxi's tree hollows turned into canvases for local artists

Liu Yu paints a tree hollow in Yingze Park in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, in December. (SUN HAO/FOR CHINA DAILY)

Tree hollows have become unexpected art canvases across the northern province of Shanxi, breathing artistic life into a few cities and fostering a newfound appreciation for environmental preservation among residents.

In Taiyuan, the provincial capital, 36-year-old Liu Yu, an art and design graduate of Taiyuan University of Technology, is one of the driving forces behind this burgeoning street art movement. Inspired by tree hollow paintings she encountered during a trip in South China, she was determined to bring this unique art form to her hometown.

Within the leafy confines of Taiyuan's Yingze Park, playful images of raccoons, parrots and squirrels peek out from the natural cavities in the trees, transforming these once-overlooked spaces into popular photo spots.

"Each tree hollow possesses a unique shape," Liu said. "Before beginning any work, I have to scout the location repeatedly, carefully considering the form and selecting the animal image that best complements it."

She said that the challenges of working outdoors — mosquito bites in summer and biting winds in winter — have tested her resolve. But the warm reception and positive feedback from locals and tourists alike have been the fuel that keeps her going.

Tree hollow painting, as a form of street art, first emerged in Chinese cities around 2013. In recent years, it has enjoyed a resurgence, spurred by cultural tourism. Artists utilize the natural scars and hollows of trees as their canvas, employing eco-friendly paints that not only beautify the environment but also protect the trees from water damage and insect infestations.

Liu seeks permission and support from relevant park management departments, such as Yingze Park, before undertaking any new project.

To date, she has completed nearly 40 pieces in Taiyuan.

She places particular emphasis on incorporating Shanxi cultural elements into her creations.

A combination of three tree hollow paintings by Liu Yu. SUN HAO/FOR CHINA DAILY

Pieces inspired by the monumental Mengshan Buddha and the owl-shaped Xiaoyou bronze vessel from the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) allow residents to experience Shanxi's rich cultural heritage in the most unexpected of places. Similarly, her artwork featuring Water Mirror Terrace at Jinci Temple, which is a setting in the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong, has been met with warm feedback from Taiyuan residents.

"When painting works related to these cultural relics, I hope to raise awareness of Shanxi's profound history and culture," Liu said. She hopes that her tree hollow art can add a touch of warmth to her hometown, offering residents a delightful surprise in familiar corners.

For 28-year-old Yuan Jinmiao, from Datong city, she is also traversing Shanxi with her paintbrushes in hand. Inspired by her mother, who fostered her love of painting from a young age, Yuan launched a public campaign around beautifying her hometown's tree hollows after a trip to Yangyuan county, Hebei province, in September.

She started her first creation in Datong's Old Street, cleverly incorporating cultural landmarks such as the Yungang Grottoes and Huayan Temple and the local cultural mascot "Fo Xiaoban" into her tree hollow designs.

Then, she continued her charitable work in Shuozhou, Linfen, Yuncheng, and other locations throughout the province. In Yuan's view, the greatest appeal of tree hollow painting lies in its ability to spark a love for one's hometown.

"While I'm working, many locals come up to me specifically to say,'Thank you for adding color to our hometown'," she said. "Tourists have also inquired about the history of the ancient buildings because of my paintings. These interactions make me realize that art is not just a display; it's a conversation."

In the future, she said she wants to continue using tree hollow painting to help more people discover the beauty of their hometowns. "Art doesn't depend on the size of the space; even a small tree hollow can convey warmth and strength," Yuan said.

For 69-year-old Gong Peicai, a pensioner in Taiyuan, he now takes a detour on his daily morning walks to admire the tree hollow paintings scattered near his neighborhood.

"The artists have turned the trees' 'scars' into scenery, and they've brought Shanxi's rich culture into our daily lives in such a vivid way," he said. "Every walk feels like visiting a cultural and creative exhibition."

He Qiaoning, a mother who brought her two children to play at Yingze Park, added, "When my children point at the painting of the owl-shaped bronze vessel and ask about it, the seeds of culture are quietly sown."