Dong Xinchang works on an ink brush painting (CHEN RAN)

As world leaders sit down in Hangzhou to take decisions that would affect the entire globe eventually, one of the most remarkable and apposite images has to be that of Dong Xinchang waiting for the outcomes.

At the age of 93, Dong has seen the world pass through a series of momentous events. But he says the G20 Summit is the most significant occurrence that he will experience from "close" quarters.

A former convenience store owner, he is a resident of Wuzhen, a town neighboring Hangzhou. Wuzhen came into global limelight by beginning to host an annual international Internet conference and a theater festival.

The senior citizen, remarkably spry and aware of current events, has added his voice to those welcoming the G20 Summit. "Friends and guests from all over the world have met in Hangzhou. I feel immensely proud and happy," he said.

Photos on display at Dong Xinchang's home (CHEN RAN)

Dong is an important contributor to the community. He is a regular visitor to the Wuzhen Smart Elderly Care Service Center, which helps senior citizens keep abreast of the technological marvels that have been sweeping the globe since the invention of the Internet and smartphones.

He started learning calligraphy and painting at the age of 60 and is an assiduous painter. A good many of the paintings brightening up the service center are by him. They also make unusual and memorable gifts for visitors.

The 93-year-old is saying a prayer for the summit: "May it bring peace to the world!"

(Reporting from Hangzhou)

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