
What does an artist need to create their masterpiece? Paints, pencils...rice saplings?

Farmers in Shenyang, Liaoning province have created 15 stunning 3D designs in rice paddy fields, by carefully planting rice saplings in neat rows.

One field features what appears to be the iconic image of Marilyn Monroe in her billowing white dress, in front of a Manhattan skyline, while another intricate design features three goats, the People's Daily Online reports.

Some like it hot: One field appears to display an iconic image of Hollywood pin-up Marilyn Monroe, in her famous billowing white dress

Carry onwards, little donkey: Another paddy appears to show a man coaxing a donkey onwards - or is he catching a fish?

The stunning designs are made when Xibo farmers plant different colours and types of rice, in a painstakingly careful fashion.

Paddy artworks have been created in Shenyang in the past, but these are the most intricate images yet, as the designers utilised new technology to control the precise height of each plant.

The hidden designs can only be properly viewed from above, from elevated platforms erected at field boundaries.

The vast, finished works span a whopping 25 acres each.

Ahoy! A majestic boat riding a glistening wave emerges from the paddies

Music man: A trumpet player serenades some birds floating in the reeds, as his lover and pet look on

The Xibo farmers, an ethnic Chinese group, have an annual tradition of creating rice paddy designs.

They believe that making the art also serves as a way of praying for blessings.

The designs are decided upon and sketched early in the year, then the rice is planted.

Gradually, the beautiful images emerge from the water-logged beds.

Three Billy Goats Gruff: A trio of vibrant green goats emerge from the wet paddies

The fields are part of a theme park in Shenyang city, which has hosted the artwork for the past three years.

In 2012, the city set the record for 'largest rice paddy work ever made,' with a design called 'Qixinglongteng,'

Officials are hoping that this year's special 3D rice art will attract more tourists to the area.