After she posted the drawing online, it soon attracted praise. Liu is collaborating with an animal protection NGO to help them design anthropomorphic figures of different birds and to popularize science at the same time.

In November, Liu held her first exhibition in Guiyang International Fashion Release Center, which will last until Jan 15. The exhibition, titled Mountains and Seas, showcases around 120 of her works in three series, Shanhaijing, ancient Chinese myths and anthropomorphic birds.

She is proud that the exhibition can be held in her hometown and that the local government set up a special bus service for residents to go and enjoy the exhibition.

On the opening day, Liu's family and friends were there to support her and got a guided tour from Liu. It took over an hour to introduce all of her paintings to the audience.

"My parents were quite happy that day. The exhibition showed them what I've been doing," she says.

One Sina Weibo user, with the handle "Yunduanxiade Shengjiezhiguang "commented about the exhibition: "When I saw Lumingshan's anthropomorphic birds, I realized that they are such pretty, lovely, cute and playful elves! I hope she will become an artist known by everyone!"