International visitors admire watercolor paintings of old artifacts at a bustling market in Xihu district. [Photo/WeChat account: xihunet]

In the tea hills of Xihu district, a group of young artists is turning everyday relics into vivid cultural stories through art.

At Longwu tea town, where spring tea picking is in full swing, a watercolor painting of a century-old bamboo tea basket has drawn attention at a bustling market and music festival. The work was created by Anna, a Russian student at Zhejiang International Studies University, after discovering the heirloom basket used by a local tea farmer.

Anna is part of Painting Journey, a student group dedicated to documenting folk culture through sketching. Their work focuses on capturing the textures, histories, and craftsmanship of traditional objects — many of which are fading from daily life.

Across the district, the group has explored historic streets and heritage sites, illustrating landmarks and artifacts such as centuries-old bridges and traditional farming tools. Their detailed drawings aim to preserve cultural memory while making it accessible to a wider audience.

The initiative aligns with the district's broader efforts to revitalize historic neighborhoods through creative industries. As old spaces transform into cultural hubs, these young artists continue to document the past — ensuring that timeworn objects can still "speak" in a modern city.

An international visitor takes photos of an old artifact. [Photo/WeChat account: xihunet]