Students from Nantong University study pieces at Qidong Art Gallery on Oct 4. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The Qidong Art Gallery – located in the county-level city of Qidong, administered by Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province – was visited by 297 inquisitive and excited students from the School of Art at Nantong University on Oct 4.

They came to see a painting exhibition, co-sponsored by the China Artists Association, the Publicity Department of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee, the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Jiangsu Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

The exhibition showcases a raft of fine art, including Chinese paintings and prints.

Standing in front of a print celebrating the C919 – China's first self-developed large passenger jet – a local Qidong citizen Chen Haiyan explained the story behind it to her daughter.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can't travel far," Chen later said. "Visiting the art gallery allows my daughter to appreciate and learn more about art, as well making her holiday life more colorful."

Since the start of the year, a slew of public cultural facilities – including the Qidong Blue Calico Art Museum, the Qidong International Printmaking Art Center and the Qidong Museum – have opened their doors in the city, providing locals with easier access to culture.