Liu's first cartoon depicts anthropomorphized oysters, for which Dalian is famous, encouraging a bowl of Wuhan's renowned hot dry noodles to stay strong with the message: "Wuhan, please hang on!"

"I used the signature food of my hometown to show our support for virus-hit Wuhan," says Liu.

Many of Liu's colleagues, who used to draw pictures and write messages on their protective suits to cheer their colleagues and patients up, also joined in.

Doctor Wang Wei from Dalian drew a picture of the Dalian Railway Station and Wuhan Yellow Crane Tower. "They symbolize the 'heart-to-heart' solidarity between Dalian and Wuhan people."

Among the murals that has touched Wang and other medical staff the most is a portrait of Zhong Nanshan, a renowned Chinese respiratory specialist, with the words: "Wuhan is a heroic city, and people of Hubei and Wuhan are heroic people."

"Everyday, we are impressed by the heartwarming strength of the Wuhan people," says Liu. "I still remember the first day when I arrived at Leishenshan Hospital. A local shuttle bus driver bowed very low and expressed his appreciation toward us."

Tiger Beach Ocean Park, Xinghai Square and other pictures of famous tourist attractions in Dalian have emerged on the wall in recent days. "This is a travel itinerary we make for patients. I hope they can visit these famous landmarks in my hometown after they recover," Liu says.

"When I drew the Yellow Crane Tower, I made a decision that I would visit the tower and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this heroic city after the epidemic ends," says Wang.