The ongoing exhibition showcases some 300 oil paintings, watercolor works and sketches by Li Binghong, including the 1960 reproduction of the oil painting Nanchang Uprising; Landscape of Xishuangbanna and Hydropower Station.[Photo provided to China Daily]

He also traveled extensively, after being inspired by the natural scenery of his country and ordinary people in the factories and on the farms.

Although he was an acclaimed painter, Li was always gentle and jolly, say his students including Xu Jiang, now the academy's director.

"We would play music when we sketched in the classroom, though it was against the rules," says Xu.

"He never stopped us. But he sketched with us and danced a little to the music.

"Three decades have passed. But I can still feel his easy-going attitude and enthusiasm for art."

If you go

9 am-5 pm, Monday closed, through May 24. 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6400-1476.