In recent years, thanks to Hao's efforts, buhu painting has become increasingly well-known to and appreciated by people both at home and abroad.

"We've been to many exhibitions where people have given us very positive feedback," Hao says.

She's also been to a dozen countries, including Russia and Serbia.

"They (international friends) can immediately identify it as Chinese, which is amazing and proof of art being a language itself, even without much verbal communication," she says.

Ruminating on the future, Hao says that her biggest hope is to help build a hometown for Teng-style buhu painting and establish a cultural park. "So that more people can get to know and come to love the art of our region," Hao says.