Dream of a Peaceful World by artist Wu Xiaoli

As preparations for the G20 summit give way to the actual event, Hangzhou citizens have contributed several pieces of folk art to welcome the summit's guests.

In Zhejiang provincial library, there is an exhibition of paintings by artist Zhuansun Zhonghua, which express the artist's views on the G20 summit. Since November 2015, when it was first announced that Hangzhou would be the 2016 host, Zhuansun started to think about what medium he should use for his pieces about the summit. Eventually he chose painting. During the past year, he sought inspiration from related images, videos and even music.

"I hope I can leave my mark on such a great historical event," Zhuansun said.

Zhuansun's painting

Meanwhile, there is another piece drawing inspiration from the G20 leaders named "Dream of a Peaceful World," which reflects the theme of building an innovative, invigorated, interconnected and inclusive world economy. Artist Wu Xiaoli kneaded models of leaders standing on a globe holding doves and peonies. Beside each model is its country’s national flower. Wu expects the G20 summit to bring Chinese folk art to more people around the world.

Additionally, artist Xu Leping sculpted wooden models of various important figures, including G20 members. The piece is Xu's attempt to illustrate his warm welcome of the summit and its vision of peace.

Xu Leping's work

He Hui, 91, spent one month embroidering the flags of all the G20 member countries, which she will present as gifts at the G20 summit. Even though He's eyesight is deteriorating, she spared no effort to finish the work, which for her symbolizes friendship between countries. She also hopes more foreigners can learn more about this traditional Chinese art form via the summit.

Wu Shanzeng, 85, hand-made a fan. The fan features the flags of all the G20 members on its top half, while the rest of it displays Hangzhou's iconic West Lake in paper cuts.

"I wish to introduce charming Hangzhou and amazing traditional Chinese culture to the world," Wu proclaimed.

Xu Chengshun made a G20 teapot in which the lid is the "G," the spout is the "2" and the handle is the "0." The design of the pot's body reflects a community with a shared common destiny in an inclusive world. 

Hand made fan by Wu Shanzeng

G20 teapot by Xu Chengshun