This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). Combining the functions of production, administration and defense, XPCC has made indelible contributions to the development of Xinjiang. Despite a harsh natural environment, XPCC workers have reclaimed ecological oases from the desolate Gobi Desert, initiated Xinjiang's modernization, established large-scale agriculture, built industrial and mining enterprises, and established new cities and towns –– all by joining hands with local people of all ethnic groups. 

Women artists, from across the country, were recently invited to visit XPCC and create works of art that highlighted women's contributions to the development of XPCC. In addition, a fine arts exhibition, with the theme "Salute Mothers in Gobi Desert," was held in Urumqi Art Museum, in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. More than 124 works, created by women artists, and including Chinese paintings, oil paintings and prints, were displayed. The exhibition and other events were organized by the Federation of Literary and Art Circles of XPCC, China Female Artists Association, and Women's Federation of XPCC. In this edition, Women of China highlights some of the works, to share the beautiful creations with our readers.

Gobi Mother Jin Maofang [Painted by Kong Zi]

Inheriting [Painted by Gao Hong]

Women on Pamir Plateau [Painted by Chu Xiaoli]

Beautiful Ili [Painted by Gong Lihui]

Harvest Season [Painted by Song Huan]

Mother's Memories [Painted by Chen Xinrong]

Meilian: A Doctor on Horseback [Painted by Chen Yannong]

Pictures from China Female Artists Association 

(Women of China English Monthly July 2024)

Editor: Wang Shasha