Rudong folk paintings showcase the customs of Rudong county in Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the 2021-23 list of hometowns of Chinese folk culture and art on Nov 3 – with a total of 183 counties, districts and county-level cities making it onto the list.

Jiangsu province in East China had 11 places included, with Rudong county the only one from Nantong city to be honored.

The appellation of "Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture and Art" is known as an important public cultural brand launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is the fifth time that Rudong's folk paintings have held the triennial national honorary title since 2008, an achievement that is said to have helped raise the profile of Rudong's folk culture and art throughout the country.

Rudong's folk paintings are understood to showcase the local customs and the great changes of the region in the new era.

The folk painting research institute there – which was established in 2011 – is said to have forged ahead in developing the market, as well as expanding the community of painters and other aspects.

The institute has also developed and produced derivatives of modern folk paintings and established a chain that includes production, supply and marketing.