Liu Anqin (R) and her daughter make beds at their homestay in Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, Aug. 4, 2026. Liu Anqin, 82, never expected that retirement would open a new chapter in her life.
Born in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Liu had no formal training in painting. After retirement, she enrolled in painting classes at an education program for the elderly and discovered her passion for art. Six years ago, Liu moved to Tianjin with her son. This spring, she rented a courtyard in Xijingyu Village and opened a homestay. Inspired by the village's rustic charm and stony landscape, Liu began painting on stones.
Unlike painting on paper, stone painting is more challenging and requires greater patience. Yet Liu enjoys the process. Just months later, the courtyard is no longer just a homestay; it has become a small art gallery that attracts visitors to take photos and appreciate stone paintings.
For Liu, meeting new friends and sharing her passion for art with young people is always a delight. "It's never too late to start something new, as long as you enjoy it," she said. (Xinhua/Li Ran)
Liu Anqin (R) introduces her artwork at her homestay in Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, Aug. 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Ran)
Liu Anqin (R) and her daughter take a walk at Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
Liu Anqin (L) and her daughter enjoy a sunset view at Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Ran)
Liu Anqin works on a stone painting at Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
Liu Anqin works on a stone-painting work at Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 5, 2026.(Xinhua/Li Ran)
Liu Anqin works on a stone painting at Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
Liu Anqin (L) and her daughter take a walk at Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
Liu Anqin welcomes visitors at her homestay in Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District, north China's Tianjin, Aug. 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
Liu Anqin (L) and her daughter take a walk at Xijingyu Village of Jizhou District in north China's Tianjin, Aug. 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)
