National Art Museum of China director Wu Weishan has spent more than 30 years sculpting preeminent figures from Chinese history. His works seeks to present the spirit and cultural depth of the nation across centuries.

More than 70 of Wu's sculptures are being shown at the National Center for the Performing Arts' exhibition hall in Beijing through Nov 8.

The subjects of Wu's works include historical figures like ancient philosopher Laozi and eighth-century romantic poet Li Bai.

He also portrays modern figures, such as Nobel laureate in Physics C.N. Yang.

Wu's sculptures have been exhibited at home and abroad to promote exchanges between East and West.

Communication among civilizations is also essential to his work. For example, one displayed piece depicts Leonardo da Vinci and Qi Baishi standing on one side of a wooden boat to conduct a dialogue transcending time and space.