Embark on a Cultural Roots-Seeking Journey in Lixian County

Hidden in Ganxitan Town, Lixian County, Changde City, Hunan Province, the Xishang Art Museum is like a secluded pearl of art. Covering 10 mu, it consists of more than 10 antique-style buildings, featuring white walls, black tiles, carved doors and windows, antique-style corridors, and exquisite stone carvings. Its antique charm blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, resembling a paradise from the depths of time. The museum boasts a rich and diverse collection, mainly from south of the Yangtze River, encompassing antique paintings, sculptures, Nuo opera masks, and Hunan wood carvings. Among the treasures are nearly 400 Nuo opera masks from the Ming and Qing dynasties, each with its own unique style. The masks from Hunan have a primitive style with a touch of sadness, while those from Sichuan feature exaggerated expressions and exquisite craftsmanship, silently narrating ancient farming culture and folk tales. Over 300 sets of exquisite Hunan wood carvings are equally captivating, showcasing the local customs and ingenious craftsmanship of the Hunan region. This art museum is not only a haven for art but also an important place for cultural inheritance. Since its establishment, it has actively hosted various cultural events, attracting art students to sketch and local residents to experience the artistic atmosphere. In August 2024, the National "Dandelion Action" project team established a non-heritage folk art research and study base here, injecting new vitality into rural aesthetic education.