Picture perfect: See the new faces of Hangzhou

The Hangzhou Tourism Commission has chosen stunning paintings from talented local budding artists, many featuring the iconic West Lake, for its latest brochures to promote tourism.

Daguan Primary School student Jiang Liyinuo’s work highlighting the city’s attractions and a piece by Guo Jing from Shenghua Primary School of a small child fishing among lotuses will feature on the cover of the domestic Tourist Guide. They are both first-prize winners.

Rodolphe Toucas, a French painter living in Hangzhou and Park Doyeon, a South Korean student at the China Academy of Art, will illustrate the international version.

Toucas has lived in Hangzhou for eight years. A professional illustrator, his piece shows Changqiao Park at the West Lake. A cat looks on while ginkgo leaves fall from the trees.

“The cat represents a kind and cheerful friend, who likes to discover amazing new places. In many cultures, cats are also a symbol of good luck,” Toucas told Shanghai Daily.

Toucas wanted to give the feeling of someone who wakes up from a dream and, like the cat, is amazed at this wonderful new place.

“Hangzhou has always been a comfortable and relaxing city to live in,” Toucas says. “It is one of the best places I have visited in China.”

The Hangzhou Tourist Guide was first launched in 2004, offering information about transportation, shopping, food, accommodation, attractions and entertainment in the scenic city.

The 30 winning pieces were selected from 300 entries by students and expats living in Hangzhou, according to the organizers.

First prize

Second prize

Third prize