From imitation to creation, Chinese village paints new life

SHENZHEN - Zhao Xiaoyong was once called "China's Van Gogh," as the farmer turned oil painter made over 100,000 replicas of Van Gogh's work over the past 20 years.

However, he never saw a single authentic piece of the Dutch post-impressionist painter until 2014 when he finally saved enough for a trip to the Netherlands.

The trip inspired him to think over his business and create his own works. "The masterpieces that I saw at the European museums made me realize that I have to develop my own style."