The city of Taiyuan, Shanxi province has announced that it has a new culture industry that offers an increasing number of places for people to immerse themselves in literature and art and enjoy a carefree, leisurely life, reports Taiyuan Daily.

Over the past week, the city has put on more than 20 culture activities such as concerts, public speaking, a book club, movie club and salons for learning about oil painting, woodcrafts, stamps, and soaps to feel the city's hidden charms.

Oil painting class in a studio in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo/Taiyuan Daily]

Woodcraft course, Sumuxuan woodcraft studio, in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo/Taiyuan Daily]

One participant is the Sumuxuan woodcraft studio of Yue Fei, a graduate of London's Royal College of Arts, who teaches the skill of working with wood by whittling, polishing and waxing for people of all ages.

Then, there is Yang Jiang, who on weekends is extremely busy shuttling between cafes, restaurants, tea houses and Yoga classes to teach adults oil painting because he says that too many people lose themselves in the triviality of their daily life and wants to just help them kick back and enjoy a more refined artistic life.

Bread baking, coffee brewing and natural soap making are just some of the other tempting offerings for a colorful life in the city.