Ouyang Painting & Calligraphy Studio (欧阳书画社) is located in the middle section of Mingchan Alley (鸣蝉巷), at the end of Ruogu Street (若谷街) in Wangxiangu (望仙谷). It sits next to the Bamboo Weaving Workshop (篾匠铺) and Woodworking Workshop (木工坊), forming part of the alley’s intangible cultural heritage handmade cluster. The space blends traditional Chinese art with immersive visitor participation.
Atmosphere and Space
Traditional Artistic Environment
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the scent of ink, paint, and wood. The studio adopts a Huizhou-style storefront design, creating a quiet and scholarly atmosphere with strong classical Chinese aesthetics.
Exhibition Area
The walls display ink landscapes, floral paintings, and calligraphy works created by resident artists. These works are available for viewing and purchase, offering a direct connection to local artistic expression.
Creative Studio Area
Large wooden desks are equipped with brushes, ink, rice paper, pigments, and canvases. Visitors can observe live painting demonstrations or try brushwork under guidance.
Cultural & Creative Corner
The studio also features handmade folding fans, oil-paper umbrellas, canvas bags, opera masks, bookmarks, and other traditional-style souvenirs.
Hands-on Experience Activities (Fixed Pricing)
Calligraphy Experience (30 RMB | 15–30 min)
Practice brush calligraphy, including writing the character “福” (blessing), fan inscriptions, and bookmarks. Suitable for beginners and families.
Ink Painting Experience (30 RMB | 30–45 min)
Create simple landscape or floral ink paintings with step-by-step guidance from resident artists.
DIY Painting Workshop (30 RMB | Choose One)
Folding Fan Painting
Paint landscapes, flowers, or fantasy-themed designs on traditional folding fans, ideal for photography.
Canvas Bag Painting
Customize tote bags with Wangxiangu (望仙谷) night scenes or fantasy motifs.
Opera Mask Painting
Create colorful Peking opera-style masks, popular for family and interactive experiences.
Free Sketching Area
Visitors may sketch scenes from Mingchan Alley (鸣蝉巷), including rooftops, wooden windows, and distant mountains, creating natural “fantasy landscape” artworks.
Artistic Highlights
Resident Artists
Artists such as Liu Xiangwei (刘相伟) specialize in ink landscapes and calligraphy. Visitors can interact with them and learn basic painting techniques.
Fusion Style
The artworks combine traditional Chinese ink painting with Wangxiangu’s fantasy scenery—cliff villages, lantern streets, and misty mountains often appear in compositions.
Take-Home Creations
All DIY artworks can be taken home the same day as personalized souvenirs.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
08:30–21:00 (last entry for experiences at 17:30)
Location
Mingchan Alley (鸣蝉巷), Ruogu Street (若谷街) end, near Bamboo Weaving Workshop (篾匠铺) and Woodworking Workshop (木工坊)
Recommended Outfit
Light-colored clothing or Hanfu (汉服) is recommended to match the ink-painting aesthetic.
Nearby Experience Route
Combine with Bamboo Weaving Workshop (篾匠铺) and Woodworking Workshop (木工坊) to complete the Mingchan Alley intangible heritage handmade circuit.
Mingchan Alley Non-Heritage Handmade Route (3 Stops)
Route Overview
Total duration: about 2.5–3 hours
Best time: 14:30–17:30 (soft light and ideal photography conditions)
Route order: Woodworking Workshop → Bamboo Weaving Workshop → Ouyang Painting Studio
Stop 1: Woodworking Workshop (木工坊)
Atmosphere
Natural wood aroma, tool walls, and craftsmanship sounds create a strong artisan vibe.
DIY Options
- Wooden comb / keychain (108 RMB | 60–75 min) – engraving available
- Wooden plaque / coaster (68 RMB | 40 min) – quick beginner option
Photo Spots
- Tool wall entrance (craftsman-style portraits)
- Workbench close-ups (wood texture detail shots)
Stop 2: Bamboo Weaving Workshop (篾匠铺)
Atmosphere
Bamboo fragrance fills the alley, with woven crafts hanging under blue-brick roofs.
DIY Options
- Bamboo coaster (30 RMB | 30 min) – beginner-friendly
- Mini bamboo lantern (35 RMB | 45 min) – ideal for night photography
- Small bamboo basket (45 RMB | 60 min) – practical handmade item
Photo Spots
- Hanging bamboo crafts with warm backlight
- Alley entrance with blue stone pathway and bamboo props
Stop 3: Ouyang Painting Studio (欧阳书画社)
Atmosphere
Ink fragrance mixed with paint tones, creating a calm artistic environment.
DIY Options
- Folding fan painting (30 RMB | 30 min)
- Ink landscape painting (30 RMB | 40 min)
- Canvas bag painting (30 RMB | 30 min)
Photo Spots
- Window-side painting desk portraits
- Cultural display shelves with fans and umbrellas
Time Flow Plan
- 14:30 – Woodworking Workshop (60 min)
- 15:30 – Bamboo Weaving Workshop (50 min)
- 16:20 – Ouyang Painting Studio (40 min)
- 17:00 – Alley golden-hour photography (15 min)
- 17:30 – Walk to cliffside for sunset viewing
Tips
- Wear light-colored clothing or Hanfu (avoid dark outfits due to dust/paint)
- Avoid 12:00–14:00 (harsh lighting, poor photography results)
- Holiday periods: arrive early to avoid queues
- All experiences include materials and guidance; finished works can be taken home
Nearby Extension
After finishing the route:
- Walk 3 minutes to Zui Xian Street (醉仙街) for local snacks like Lampshade Cake (灯盏粿)
- At 18:30, return to cliffside areas for lantern-lit night photography with handmade props