Famous artwork inspires dance

Landmark painting given new lease of life by dedicated choreographers, Chen Nan reports.

Time has not diminished its hold over the public imagination as was proved in 2017, when thousands of people lined up for hours to get a glimpse of A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains, when the classic artwork was exhibited at the Palace Museum. Artist Wang Ximeng completed the milestone piece during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) at the age of 18. It is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important works in the history of Chinese fine art history. The 11-meter-long scroll painting is a record of people's lives and the natural scenery of that time, mixing realism with creative imagination. There are mountains, rivers, villages, ports, temples and pavilions. The painting is housed at the museum.