A cartoon of Peng Liyuan Photo: Courtesy of Jia Nan

Cartoons about world leaders are nothing new, often being a way to lampoon and satirize the characters they depict. However, cute cartoons that portray political figures in a positive light can also be charming.

Recently China's First Lady Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, has gained attention after cartoon drawings of her went viral online. The drawings were created by 22-year-old Jia Nan, a recent graduate of Xi'an International Studies University.

Jia told the Global Times that it was Peng's elegant style that had initially inspired her artwork.

"When I saw Peng's visits to foreign countries in online news reports, I was impressed by the way she represented Chinese women so gracefully on an international stage," Jia said.

"I felt very proud and wanted to record that image with my artwork," added the young artist, who majored in animation at university.

Jia drew five cartoons when Peng companied President Xi on a visit to several African nations last March, and continued to draw another 11 depicting Peng both at home and abroad. 

Jia said the first group of drawings have been made into postcards by a Hong Kong company and are sold in shops there. Jia said the popularity of her drawings has encouraged her to create more of them, although she is wary that Peng, who is a famous singer, has many fans already.

"If I draw more of them I plan to publish them in an album," Jia told the Global Times.