From a pottery bowl painted with a human face-and-fish motif found at the Neolithic Banpo site, to the beautifully crafted silver and gold wares of the Hejiacun treasure trove of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Xi'an, Shaan'xi province, has long been a witness to the evolution and transitions in art, as well as a source of artistic inspiration and creativity.

This artistic lineage is showcased in a recently published book, Fine Arts History of Xi'an, which was launched at a ceremony in Beijing where scholars, artists and publishers joined a forum for in-depth discussions on the art scene in Xi'an.

Meanwhile, an exhibition opened featuring 120 paintings, sculptures and drawings by Xi'an artists which will run until Wednesday. It also displays the artworks of farmers from Huxian county in Xi'an, long known as a major hub for rural art.