Students from Inner Mongolia Normal University (IMNU) take part in a wheat straw painting class on May 3. [Photo/imnu.edu.cn]

A wheat straw painting class was held at Inner Mongolia Normal University (IMNU) on May 3.

Xiao Junguang, a skilled wheat straw artist, taught 35 IMNU students how to make their own wheat straw paintings.

Wheat straw painting is a traditional form of Chinese art which originated during the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907). It is famous for its complexity, with every painting produced according to a complicated set of procedures.

Artists need to pay careful attention to their work and to really love what they do to succeed at wheat straw painting, said Xiao, pointing out that the paintings are also environmentally friendly.

Xiao stressed the importance of promoting intangible culture heritage in China, adding that wheat straw painting, as an intangible heritage, should be a skill that more artists attempt to master, especially while studying at college.

Many of the students expressed their appreciation for being able to take part in the class, with some appearing keen to learn more about the traditional form of art.

An IMNU student views wheat straw paintings in the class on May 3. [Photo/imnu.edu.cn]

IMNU students learn how to create wheat straw paintings on May 3. [Photo/imnu.edu.cn]