Bull Under the Sun faces the likeness of Lu Xun, a statue by Chinese artist Zhang Wenxin, which is positioned right across the road. The placement is no coincidence as Lu Xun, a leading figure of modern Chinese literature, once famously said: "I serve my people with my head bowing like a willing ox."

The rich spiritual qualities represented by the ox, reflected in the two works, are at the heart of The Vitality of Art, an exhibition set to run until March 27 at the National Art Museum of China.

The exhibition, to celebrate the Year of the Ox in the Chinese lunar calendar, comprises nearly 600 works, including paintings, prints, sculptures, calligraphic works and photos.

The works, largely gathered from the National Art Museum's collection, occupy all six floors of the museum's exhibition space as well as the sculpture park in its outdoor compound.

Wu Weishan, the museum director, says the artworks on show not only depict the ox as a symbol of diligence, dedication, endeavor and strength, but they also portray working people who embody these fine qualities.