He covers Beijing in dragons

A dozen of Qi's trademark shaggy dragons are swooping across the huge canvases covering Beijing's concrete walls.[Photo provided to China Daily]

"Street art has just 10 years' history in China; it is difficult for the general public to understand. But today it is getting huge media attention. Today's graffiti art is loved by people. Perhaps this is the first time Chinese people have embraced this kind of art," he adds.

But despite street art's increasing popularity in China, Qi worries that this will not lead to more youngsters picking up a spray can.

"Young people in China are very different (to those in the West)," he states. "Chinese youngsters are more focused on money. If they find out they can't make money from street art, they will think it is useless, hopeless."

Although, he makes clear, this is not really a cultural difference, but a result of factors that will be familiar to residents in New York and London.

"Rent is expensive in Beijing: Just one room is 5,000 yuan ($725). Young people aren't willing to invest time in something that won't make them much money," he sighs. "And in China, if you don't work, you don't get health insurance."

Even if Spray Paint Beijing's prediction that China will soon become a global center for street art does not come to pass, Qi is determined to represent his country on the international stage.