From farmer to artist – root carving enthusiast attracts buyers across China

Undated photo shows 72-year-old Dai Chenggui showing a chicken carved from tree roots that he made in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province. The farmer started to study root carving by himself eight years ago. He said he usually spends several hours per day carving the roots. Last year, some tourists were attracted by his fame and wanted to buy the "chicken" and "monkey" he carved. Dai refused although they offered high prices. [Photo: VCG]