The statue of Qian Songyan stands at the entrance of an exhibition commemorating the 120th anniversary of his birth. [Photo/IC]

An exhibition commemorating the 120th anniversary of Qian Songyan's birth opened in the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) in Beijing on July 31.

Wuxi native Qian Songyan was an influential master of Chinese landscape painting in the 20th century. He served as the president of Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Painting Institute, and was widely acknowledged as a leading figure of the Jiangsu painting school. His works are typical models of the national traditional spirit, atmosphere of the times and the Chinese style.

Visitors admire Qian Songyan's works in the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) in Beijing on July 31. [Photo/IC]

This exhibition displays 20 works collected by NAMOC and 100 works supplied by Qian's family on three themes: Passionate Depiction of Motherland Landscape, Long Journey from South of the Yangtze River and Searching for My Tutor in Great Nature.

Qian had his own exhibition 55 years ago at NAMOC. Chen Lyusheng, former deputy director of the museum and also the curator of this exhibition, said the new show is a continuation of the earlier exhibition.

"The exhibition, with 120 works commemorating the 120th anniversary of Qian Songyan's birth, is also a reflection on the development of contemporary Chinese painting", said Chen.

A visitor takes photo at Qian Songyan's painting Hong Yan (Red Rock). [Photo/IC]

Museum hours: 9 am-5 pm (no entry after 4 pm)

Closed on Mondays

Admission: Free

Address: 1 Wusi St, East District, Beijing, China