In the enchanting land of Pingtan Island, China, artist Zhao Shuhe has embarked on a unique journey to uncover the cultural depths hidden within the island's dialects through digital comics. His series, "Wisdom of the Fujian People: Words with Reason – Pingtan Volume," vividly depicts two local proverbs, "A grass without roots will not sprout, a person without ambition will not build a home" and "Chipping stones relies on strength, but doing great things relies on aspiration."

In the comic illustrating "A grass without roots will not sprout, a person without ambition will not build a home," Zhao contrasts a withered, rootless grass with a thriving tree, mirroring the plight of an aimless individual lounging on a sofa. This stark visualization encourages viewers to aspire and strive for their dreams.

Similarly, in "Chipping stones relies on strength, but doing great things relies on aspiration," he juxtaposes a sweating laborer chipping an enormous stone against a determined student exclaiming, "Only through struggle can we win." This contrast highlights the importance of aspiration in achieving success.

Zhao Shuhe, a passionate advocate for Pingtan culture, has transformed the island's landmarks into works of art. By drawing inspiration from scenic spots like Celestial Well and Changjiang'ao Wind Farm, he has infused these locations with an artistic flair that blends traditional charm with modern allure.

"When I depict Celestial Well, I integrate ancient legends with the breathtaking seascape, allowing viewers to almost hear the echoes of history while admiring the comic," Zhao shared. His on-site visits to each site have enabled him to capture Pingtan's ever-changing landscape, presenting it to the world in a fresh, engaging manner.

Beyond landscapes, Zhao has turned his focus to Pingtan's dialects and proverbs. In the "Wisdom of the Fujian People" series, he documents 108 local sayings, providing explanations, meanings, and usage examples for each. Inspired by this project, he conceived the idea of illustrating these proverbs.

"Illustrating dialect proverbs makes them come alive and easier to understand," Zhao said. He has published six comics featuring Pingtan proverbs in the local newspaper Pingtan Times, aiming to draw more attention to the island's linguistic heritage.

For native Pingtan residents, Zhao's comics evoke nostalgia. "We grew up hearing these proverbs, and our elders often used them to inspire us. Now, Zhao has brought them to life in comics, preserving their authenticity while passing down ancient wisdom in a new way," remarked local resident Li Weifen, expressing her deep appreciation.

Zhao believes that Pingtan dialects are vital carriers of the island's culture, serving as a bond between expats and their hometown. "They are the coordinates of Pingtan culture, symbols of collective memory, and the root and soul of our identity," he said. Through his comics, Zhao hopes to introduce Pingtan culture to outsiders and reignite locals' sense of nostalgia.