Zhu Danian later said of the work, "when people enter the restaurant and are welcomed by a view of tropical forests and all life thriving, they will feel engulfed by the warmth of sun and the pleasant smell of spring".

Among works donated by the Zhu family to Tsinghua University Art Museum, there are drafts, manuscripts and other materials pertaining to the creation of Song of the Forest.

The museum has named one of its exhibition halls after Zhu Danian and will dedicate it to showing his works in the future.

Zhu Danian once said: "I have loved art since childhood. I can't explain why. I was fascinated with it, not out of a strong sense of mission. I entered the palace of art with a pure, devout heart, and it has paid me back with mental comfort and spiritual fulfillment.

"The world is practical. It is hard to be an ideal person. Every one has worries and pains. Only art can make us feel detached from worldly affairs and enchanted by the great happiness it brings."

Contact the writer at linqi@chinadaily.com.cn