Yao Shulong draws a painting in his studio in Xinhua district, Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, Dec. 23. (Photo/Xinhua)    

Folk painter Yao Shulong in Shijiazhuang, in north China’s Hebei province, has promoted ancient mural painting techniques to wider public audiences through exhibitions, lectures in colleges, and free trainings over the past years.

When he visited Pilu Temple in the province at age six, the murals in the temple had him deeply captivated.

In 2006, he began to use ancient mural painting techniques, including line drawing, coloring and powdering to make replicas of the murals on paper. So far, he has managed to make life-size replicas of the murals spanning more than 200 square meters.

Yao Shulong (R2) teaches students painting techniques in his studio in Xinhua district, Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, Dec. 23. (Photo/Xinhua)    

Yao Shulong teaches students how to use powdering technique to paint in his studio in Xinhua district, Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, Dec. 23. (Photo/Xinhua)    

Yao Shulong creates hues with mineral pigments in his studio in Xinhua district, Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, Dec. 23. (Photo/Xinhua)

Yao Shulong draws a traditional Chinese New Year painting using mural techniques in his studio in Xinhua district, Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, Dec. 23. (Photo/Xinhua)