The artist made several trips to China, tracing the steps of Jianzhen, and took a whole decade to complete the series of large paintings.

Among the first visitors to the exhibition on March 13 was a software engineer surnamed Meng. Standing in front of the murals painted on Japanese sliding doors and screens, he says: "I feel happy and very much enjoy the spring landscapes depicted in the murals."

Meng adds that he's glad to see people visit the exhibition."Life has gradually returned to normal," he says.

Shanghai Museum is presenting the exhibition to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Agreement for Promoting Cultural Exchanges between China and Japan. The exhibition started on Dec 17 and was scheduled to conclude on Feb 16, but the epidemic made it impossible for many to see the show. As such, the event will be extended until April 5.

"We and our Japanese peers hope that people can experience the exhibition after the impact of the epidemic has ebbed," Shanghai Museum's deputy director Li says.

To prevent large crowds from gathering, the exhibition hall has limited the capacity to no more than 60 visitors at any time.

Other special events now on at Shanghai Museum include an exhibition of bamboo art by Jin Xiya and a festive showcase featuring the mouse, the zodiac animal for 2020.