Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Institute

Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Institute

Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Institute is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Qijiang farmers' woodblock prints originated from the wooden New Year paintings of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The works are inspired by the production and daily life of the broad farming population, and their artistic expression—while teaching basic painting skills—draws heavily on local ethnic and folk art techniques such as widely popular wood carving, stone engraving, fabric collage, embroidery, wooden New Year prints, paper-cutting, and blue printed cloth. These elements give the prints a rich folk flavor and vibrant sense of life. The artworks showcase an artistry that is rustic, naive, exaggerated, and romantic, possessing high artistic value.

Qijiang farmers' woodblock prints rose to prominence in the early 1980s. Exhibitions were held in over 10 cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Nanjing, Suzhou, and Dalian. The prints were also invited to be displayed in more than 20 countries and regions such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Norway, and Hong Kong. Art groups and enthusiasts from over 10 countries visited Qijiang specifically to study these prints. To date, more than 1,500 works have been collected by the National Art Museum of China, provincial and municipal museums, Chinese embassies abroad, and foreign art galleries. In 1985, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture, the Sichuan Artists Association, and the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government awarded the former Qijiang County the title of “Hometown of Farmers’ Woodblock Prints.” In February 1988, the former Qijiang County was officially named a “Chinese Modern Folk Painting Village” by the Ministry of Culture. Starting in 2003, Qijiang farmers' woodblock prints have been designated as cultural exchange gifts by Chongqing Municipality. With their unique artistic charm and fashionable elegance, these prints have become highly regarded art pieces for interior decoration, home appreciation, and gift-giving.

The Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Institute is located on the north side of Jiulong Square in Qijiang’s new urban district, covering an area of 4.17 acres with a construction area of 2,825 square meters. The institute houses 12 organizations and enterprises, including the Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Company, the Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Association, the Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Training School, the Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Talent Development Base, the Gui Huanyong Print Creation Studio, the Li Chengzhi Print Creation Studio, and the Huang Yuanyuan Print Creation Studio.

The Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Institute is a fully state-funded public institution established in September 2006 with the approval of the former Qijiang County Compiling Committee. Its mission is to promote the creation of Qijiang farmers' woodblock prints, guide artist training, collect print works and other folk crafts, host exhibitions, conduct domestic and international exchange activities, and enrich the spiritual and cultural life of the public. The following areas are open to the public free of charge:

Print Square: Covering an area of 9,300 square meters, the Print Square is lush and green, providing an excellent space for leisure. It serves as the main venue for the biennial Print Art Festival held in Qijiang District.

Farmers' Print Exhibition Hall: The Qijiang Farmers' Woodblock Print Exhibition Hall consists of two specialized exhibition spaces—east and west—displaying nearly 300 classic works created by around 100 artists over the past 30 years, from 1983 to the present. Each piece exhibits its own unique style.

Premium Print Display Hall: The premium hall showcases key milestones of Qijiang farmers' woodblock prints before 2005, profiles of some of the early artists, and the most representative award-winning works. It also features handwritten inscriptions by Wang Qi, Chairman of the China Printmakers Association, and by Li Zhonggui, former Party Group Secretary of the China Artists Association, who wrote: “Unintentional strokes upon waking, divine artistry at the finest tip.” Additionally, there are inscriptions by Wu Junfa, Vice Chairman of the China Printmakers Association, as well as trophies and medals won by Qijiang farmers' woodblock prints during exhibitions across China.

Print Creation Studios: There are two print creation studios located on the third floor of the institute—the Li Chengzhi Studio and the Huang Yuanyuan Studio. Both are open to the public year-round, where visitors can learn about the entire creative process of Qijiang farmers' woodblock prints and even try block printing under the guidance of artists.

Print Sales Gallery: Located on the first floor of the institute, the sales gallery displays commercial prints and derivative products of Qijiang farmers' woodblock prints. Visitors can purchase their favorite prints and other merchandise after touring the institute.

Ground

Address: Print Square, Jiulong Avenue, Qijiang District

Electricity

Tel: 48678133

Transportation: Qijiang – Development Zone – Print Square