Li's clay figurines honor the people and army men who fought staunchly to defeat the aggressors. [Photo by Zhang Anjun and Qiao Caifeng]

Famous for clay sculpture, Weiyuan county, Dingxi, Northwest China’s Gansu province carefully protects its historical heritage.

Li Guozhu, a native clay sculptor, has spent 50 years using the soil of his hometown to create down-to-earth artworks. Some of his pieces have won prizes in the 11th Gansu Province Arts and Crafts Award.

Focusing on revolutionary sites and local characteristic industries, Li uses his skills to reflect his home area's history and culture.