Natural Ability

Inspired by the natural beauty of Huangshan Mountain, Liu Haisu set out to modernize Chinese art through innovation and education. Lin Qi reports.

The magnificent views surrounding Huangshan Mountain have been admired by Chinese poets, painters and calligraphers over the centuries. The scenic mountain range in East China's Anhui province, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was also a favorite of Liu Haisu (1896-1994). The prominent artist traveled there to paint on several occasions over the course of 70 years.

After his sixth trip in 1954, Liu composed a line that read: "Huangshan Mountain was previously a teacher of mine. Now it is a friend of mine."