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Zhong Jianjun
Zhong Jianjun
Personal Profile
Zhong Jianjun, mononym Zi, styled Chang'an Shiren, also known as the Master of Chifeng Tower. Born in 1976 in Shaanxi Xi'an. National First-Class Artist, member of the Shaanxi Branch of China Democratic National Construction Association, and member of the Shaanxi Artists Association.
Passionate about painting since childhood, he has continuously practiced brushwork with wide-ranging explorations. His artistic style is versatile, bold yet delicate. Currently serving as Executive Vice President of Shaanxi Qin Feng Painting and Calligraphy Institute, researcher at the Shaanxi Branch of China Lu Yi Painting and Calligraphy Research Institute, and researcher in the Hu Yilong Zen Landscape Advanced Research Class at Tsinghua University Academy of Arts & Design. He is a National First-Class Artist.
Art Critique Ink Expresses Lifelong Aspiration Excellence Blossoms in Artistic Grove Zhongzi, born during the Spring and Autumn period, named You, styled Zilu, was a favored disciple of Confucius, founder of Confucianism, and a dedicated practitioner and loyal defender of Confucian thought. Revered by successive dynasties and admired by scholars and patriots alike, he is honored by the Zhong clan across China as their banner and eternal ancestor. The Zhong family, tracing its lineage back to Zhongzi, boasts a brilliant cultural heritage and a continuous emergence of talented individuals—like stars scattered across the sky, spread throughout the nation. Throughout history, outstanding figures have emerged representing literature, military affairs, and politics. For example: Zhong Nao, Minister of Works during the Eastern Jin Dynasty; Zhong Xiaojun of the Sui Dynasty, renowned for his calligraphy; Tang Dynasty's Zhong Ziling, celebrated for his literary works; Song Dynasty officials Zhong Ne and Zhong Jian, famous for governance; Zhong Ji, distinguished in military achievements, who served as Prefect of Taizhou and concurrently as Scholar of the Secretariat Academy and Military Inspector. Zhong Shucheng, Prefect of Dengzhou in the Yuan Dynasty; Ming Dynasty’s Minister of War Zhong Deming; Zhong Xuan, Prefect of Laizhou in Shandong; Zhong Chang, imperial physician of the Taiyi Hospital; Zhong Ben, Provincial Intendant of Shaanxi from Baoying during the Zhengde era, known for integrity and uprightness. While serving as an official in Henan, he accepted a "people vs. official" lawsuit but could not conclude it due to reassignment, carrying deep regret until death, instructing his family to bury the petition with him. Zhong Chenglie, Magistrate of Xinxing County in the Kangxi era of Qing Dynasty, though only holding a fifth-rank position, earned great admiration for his benevolent rule and diligent administration, praised at the time: “Zhong Ironface arrives in peace; clear as water, bright as lightning; resolves disputes, dissolves grievances; devoted in heart, witnessed by gods and spirits; timely rains nourish the countryside. After three years, songs of praise fill the land.” He was compared to incorruptible officials like Bao Zheng, Hai Rui, and Liu Yong, remembered through millennia. During the Qianlong era, Zhong Yongtan, nicknamed “the Bun Scholar,” rose to Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. As a censor, he gained fame for impeaching powerful minister E Shan, impressing the entire court. Emperor Qianlong commended him: “Capable of exposing corruption and revealing hidden truths, speaking frankly without concealment. He should be exceptionally promoted to inspire all censors. Those in censorial positions should take Zhong Yongtan as their model.” Another notable figure is Zhong Yigui of Laiyang, whose ancestors served four generations consecutively as Prefects of Kuizhou. In modern times, many outstanding descendants of the Zhong family have made significant contributions to China’s liberation and construction, some even sacrificing their lives without regret. For instance, during the War of Resistance against Japan, Zhong Xingzai, a renowned patriotic general, Major General Senior Advisor to the 31st Group Army Headquarters and subordinate of General Yang Hucheng, both from Xi’an, Shaanxi. He personally participated in the security operations of the “Xi’an Incident” and assisted General Yang in compelling Chiang Kai-shek to resist Japanese aggression. In May 1946, Zhong Jihan from Longkou, Shandong, was also conferred the rank of Army Major General alongside Zhong Xingzai and was another well-known anti-Japanese general. He accompanied General Yang Hucheng on a post-Xi’an-incident tour of Europe and America, later publishing *Travel Notes of East and West*. Zhong Xidong from Longkou, Shandong, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; internationally renowned ecologist Zhong Chongxin; Zhong Qiuyuan from Suzhou, Jiangsu, former Vice Minister of Culture of the People's Republic of China; Zhong Zhaoxiang from Wujiang, senior legislator and Major General under the Nationalist Government; Zhong Zesheng, Lieutenant General in the Taiwan Navy; architectural expert Zhong Zehuan. Revolutionary martyr Zhong Mihui from Wuhe, Anhui, who died saving comrades while rescuing state property. At the 2008 Olympic Games, Zhong Man, an Olympian fencer from Hai’an, Jiangsu, won the gold medal in men’s fencing, bringing honor to the nation and pride to all Chinese people. Amid great historical transformations and generational shifts, the Zhong descendants emerging from ancient history continue writing new chapters of modern civilization. Continuously liberating minds, uniting and striving forward, pioneering and innovating, aiming for excellence, they are building their homes with diligent hands. They display the vitality and dynamism of socialism with Chinese characteristics and demonstrate the boundless wisdom and creativity of the Zhong lineage. I myself was born in Jining City, the hometown of Confucius and Mencius, a land of etiquette and culture. Due to promoting Confucian and traditional culture, I have traveled widely in recent years while studying and disseminating these values, meeting many relatives from various walks of life. Some are high-ranking national officials, provincial or municipal leaders, local administrators, wealthy entrepreneurs, poets, scholars, art celebrities, renowned painters and calligraphers, professors, and professionals. Others are folk recluses and local literati cultivating fields and reading books. Among them is my relative Zhong Jianjun, residing in Xi’an, Shaanxi—the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties—and engaged in artistic creation.
Zhong Jianjun, mononym Zi, styled Chang'an Shiren, also known as the Master of Chifeng Tower, born in 1976 in Xi’an, Shaanxi. Member of China Democratic National Construction Association, member of the Shaanxi Artists Association. Passionate about painting since childhood, he has never ceased practicing brushwork, exploring diverse fields. His artistic style is ever-changing, combining grand strokes with fine details. Early in life, he joined the military and served in Tibet, primarily engaged in writing slogans and political propaganda. After retirement, he returned home and humbly sought guidance, visiting masters far and wide. Currently, he serves as Executive Vice President of Shaanxi Qin Feng Painting and Calligraphy Institute, researcher at the Shaanxi Branch of China Lu Yi Painting and Calligraphy Research Institute, and researcher in the Hu Yilong Zen Landscape Advanced Research Class at Tsinghua University Academy of Arts & Design. He is a National First-Class Artist.????His works have been exhibited multiple times in large-scale exhibitions organized by the state, provinces, and cities. Notable creations include murals for the Nüwa Shrine Maternal Hall and Lao Mu Hall at Tongguan Ancient City; “Snowy Ravine Cart-Pulling Scene” in the Imperial Banquet Hall of Tang Dynasty’s Furong Garden; “Shakyamuni’s Life Stories” at Fahua Temple’s Prajna Gate; “Spring Dawn at Qujiang” at Qujiang International Convention and Exhibition Center. His artworks are collected and displayed at sites such as Daming Palace, Tang Dynasty Furong Garden, Tang-era Chang’an City Ruins Park, Lord Zhao Gongming Fortune God Cultural Scenic Area, and Xi’an Metro Line 3. Mr. Jianjun grew up beneath the Qinling Mountains in ancient Chang’an, where unique peaks rise dramatically, layered cliffs stand tall and majestic, and the scenery is breathtaking—green mountains and clear waters forming picturesque landscapes. Nurtured by this spiritually rich environment and profound cultural heritage, he showed early brilliance, intelligence, and diligence in learning painting. Even after adulthood, he remained persistent and quietly dedicated art as his lifelong pursuit. Since 2000, his focus has mainly been on human and divine mural creation, emphasizing exploration and innovation based on tradition. Over the years, he has accumulated life experiences through sketching and pursued formal perfection in composition. His artistic charm naturally emerges with the scene; his brush follows emotion, achieving harmony between sentiment and landscape. With time, he has developed innovative awareness, holistic vision, and mastery over large-scale works—a crystallization of cultivation, skill, technique, understanding, and life experience. In his paintings, line thickness, dryness, wetness, dot density, lightness, and darkness are now freely controlled; mountain layers and human figures rendered with exquisite precision. Whether freehand, light wash, or ink application, his control is balanced and expressive. If you calm your mind and enter his world of murals, it feels like touring China’s famous mountains and historic sites. The depicted landscapes are vast and majestic, full of powerful momentum. Take his work on the traditional Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars piece “Carrying Rice for Parents”—the figures appear vivid and lifelike, forests deeply colored, deep valleys echoing with mountain reflections, silent flowing water. In terms of technique, his ink usage is refined, varied, clearly distinguishing between thick/thin, dry/wet, layered and orderly, detailed and structured, pursuing a complete fusion of subject and object. Everyone who sees his works says they are beautiful. Indeed, the beauty lies behind each artwork—in the artist’s own beautiful soul. Without a heart capable of discovering beauty, how could there be works that bring enjoyment and aesthetic pleasure? Art reflects the artist. Mr. Jianjun’s works embody his nature—one that discovers, preserves, expresses, and promotes beauty. It is precisely because of the artist’s emotional investment and expression that his works gain vitality, soul, and resonance. I have known Mr. Jianjun for nearly ten years, exchanging letters frequently, though we have yet to meet in person. When the ancestral temple in Shandong required cultural exhibition paintings, I wrote to request he respectfully create portraits of our sage ancestors, the “Carrying Rice for Parents” scene, and the image of the late Left Vice Censor-in-Chief Zhong Gong. He readily agreed and completed them on schedule, ensuring the successful opening of the exhibition, earning widespread acclaim. My gratitude is beyond words. Hence, I offer these lines in tribute: Relatives linked by brush and friendship, one bloodline flows from Shandong. Spirits connect across thousands of miles, hearts meet through frequent letters, masterpieces unite. Chang’an’s magical brush adorns sacred halls, Stone Man paints glory onto homeland. Ink directly expresses lifelong aspiration, excelling in art as a distinguished talent. Zhong Weishuai, Representative of Jining Municipal People's Congress, Qilu Cultural Star, Cultural Talent of Jining.
Passionate about painting since childhood, he has continuously practiced brushwork with wide-ranging explorations. His artistic style is versatile, bold yet delicate. Currently serving as Executive Vice President of Shaanxi Qin Feng Painting and Calligraphy Institute, researcher at the Shaanxi Branch of China Lu Yi Painting and Calligraphy Research Institute, and researcher in the Hu Yilong Zen Landscape Advanced Research Class at Tsinghua University Academy of Arts & Design. He is a National First-Class Artist.
Art Critique Ink Expresses Lifelong Aspiration Excellence Blossoms in Artistic Grove Zhongzi, born during the Spring and Autumn period, named You, styled Zilu, was a favored disciple of Confucius, founder of Confucianism, and a dedicated practitioner and loyal defender of Confucian thought. Revered by successive dynasties and admired by scholars and patriots alike, he is honored by the Zhong clan across China as their banner and eternal ancestor. The Zhong family, tracing its lineage back to Zhongzi, boasts a brilliant cultural heritage and a continuous emergence of talented individuals—like stars scattered across the sky, spread throughout the nation. Throughout history, outstanding figures have emerged representing literature, military affairs, and politics. For example: Zhong Nao, Minister of Works during the Eastern Jin Dynasty; Zhong Xiaojun of the Sui Dynasty, renowned for his calligraphy; Tang Dynasty's Zhong Ziling, celebrated for his literary works; Song Dynasty officials Zhong Ne and Zhong Jian, famous for governance; Zhong Ji, distinguished in military achievements, who served as Prefect of Taizhou and concurrently as Scholar of the Secretariat Academy and Military Inspector. Zhong Shucheng, Prefect of Dengzhou in the Yuan Dynasty; Ming Dynasty’s Minister of War Zhong Deming; Zhong Xuan, Prefect of Laizhou in Shandong; Zhong Chang, imperial physician of the Taiyi Hospital; Zhong Ben, Provincial Intendant of Shaanxi from Baoying during the Zhengde era, known for integrity and uprightness. While serving as an official in Henan, he accepted a "people vs. official" lawsuit but could not conclude it due to reassignment, carrying deep regret until death, instructing his family to bury the petition with him. Zhong Chenglie, Magistrate of Xinxing County in the Kangxi era of Qing Dynasty, though only holding a fifth-rank position, earned great admiration for his benevolent rule and diligent administration, praised at the time: “Zhong Ironface arrives in peace; clear as water, bright as lightning; resolves disputes, dissolves grievances; devoted in heart, witnessed by gods and spirits; timely rains nourish the countryside. After three years, songs of praise fill the land.” He was compared to incorruptible officials like Bao Zheng, Hai Rui, and Liu Yong, remembered through millennia. During the Qianlong era, Zhong Yongtan, nicknamed “the Bun Scholar,” rose to Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. As a censor, he gained fame for impeaching powerful minister E Shan, impressing the entire court. Emperor Qianlong commended him: “Capable of exposing corruption and revealing hidden truths, speaking frankly without concealment. He should be exceptionally promoted to inspire all censors. Those in censorial positions should take Zhong Yongtan as their model.” Another notable figure is Zhong Yigui of Laiyang, whose ancestors served four generations consecutively as Prefects of Kuizhou. In modern times, many outstanding descendants of the Zhong family have made significant contributions to China’s liberation and construction, some even sacrificing their lives without regret. For instance, during the War of Resistance against Japan, Zhong Xingzai, a renowned patriotic general, Major General Senior Advisor to the 31st Group Army Headquarters and subordinate of General Yang Hucheng, both from Xi’an, Shaanxi. He personally participated in the security operations of the “Xi’an Incident” and assisted General Yang in compelling Chiang Kai-shek to resist Japanese aggression. In May 1946, Zhong Jihan from Longkou, Shandong, was also conferred the rank of Army Major General alongside Zhong Xingzai and was another well-known anti-Japanese general. He accompanied General Yang Hucheng on a post-Xi’an-incident tour of Europe and America, later publishing *Travel Notes of East and West*. Zhong Xidong from Longkou, Shandong, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; internationally renowned ecologist Zhong Chongxin; Zhong Qiuyuan from Suzhou, Jiangsu, former Vice Minister of Culture of the People's Republic of China; Zhong Zhaoxiang from Wujiang, senior legislator and Major General under the Nationalist Government; Zhong Zesheng, Lieutenant General in the Taiwan Navy; architectural expert Zhong Zehuan. Revolutionary martyr Zhong Mihui from Wuhe, Anhui, who died saving comrades while rescuing state property. At the 2008 Olympic Games, Zhong Man, an Olympian fencer from Hai’an, Jiangsu, won the gold medal in men’s fencing, bringing honor to the nation and pride to all Chinese people. Amid great historical transformations and generational shifts, the Zhong descendants emerging from ancient history continue writing new chapters of modern civilization. Continuously liberating minds, uniting and striving forward, pioneering and innovating, aiming for excellence, they are building their homes with diligent hands. They display the vitality and dynamism of socialism with Chinese characteristics and demonstrate the boundless wisdom and creativity of the Zhong lineage. I myself was born in Jining City, the hometown of Confucius and Mencius, a land of etiquette and culture. Due to promoting Confucian and traditional culture, I have traveled widely in recent years while studying and disseminating these values, meeting many relatives from various walks of life. Some are high-ranking national officials, provincial or municipal leaders, local administrators, wealthy entrepreneurs, poets, scholars, art celebrities, renowned painters and calligraphers, professors, and professionals. Others are folk recluses and local literati cultivating fields and reading books. Among them is my relative Zhong Jianjun, residing in Xi’an, Shaanxi—the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties—and engaged in artistic creation.
Zhong Jianjun, mononym Zi, styled Chang'an Shiren, also known as the Master of Chifeng Tower, born in 1976 in Xi’an, Shaanxi. Member of China Democratic National Construction Association, member of the Shaanxi Artists Association. Passionate about painting since childhood, he has never ceased practicing brushwork, exploring diverse fields. His artistic style is ever-changing, combining grand strokes with fine details. Early in life, he joined the military and served in Tibet, primarily engaged in writing slogans and political propaganda. After retirement, he returned home and humbly sought guidance, visiting masters far and wide. Currently, he serves as Executive Vice President of Shaanxi Qin Feng Painting and Calligraphy Institute, researcher at the Shaanxi Branch of China Lu Yi Painting and Calligraphy Research Institute, and researcher in the Hu Yilong Zen Landscape Advanced Research Class at Tsinghua University Academy of Arts & Design. He is a National First-Class Artist.????His works have been exhibited multiple times in large-scale exhibitions organized by the state, provinces, and cities. Notable creations include murals for the Nüwa Shrine Maternal Hall and Lao Mu Hall at Tongguan Ancient City; “Snowy Ravine Cart-Pulling Scene” in the Imperial Banquet Hall of Tang Dynasty’s Furong Garden; “Shakyamuni’s Life Stories” at Fahua Temple’s Prajna Gate; “Spring Dawn at Qujiang” at Qujiang International Convention and Exhibition Center. His artworks are collected and displayed at sites such as Daming Palace, Tang Dynasty Furong Garden, Tang-era Chang’an City Ruins Park, Lord Zhao Gongming Fortune God Cultural Scenic Area, and Xi’an Metro Line 3. Mr. Jianjun grew up beneath the Qinling Mountains in ancient Chang’an, where unique peaks rise dramatically, layered cliffs stand tall and majestic, and the scenery is breathtaking—green mountains and clear waters forming picturesque landscapes. Nurtured by this spiritually rich environment and profound cultural heritage, he showed early brilliance, intelligence, and diligence in learning painting. Even after adulthood, he remained persistent and quietly dedicated art as his lifelong pursuit. Since 2000, his focus has mainly been on human and divine mural creation, emphasizing exploration and innovation based on tradition. Over the years, he has accumulated life experiences through sketching and pursued formal perfection in composition. His artistic charm naturally emerges with the scene; his brush follows emotion, achieving harmony between sentiment and landscape. With time, he has developed innovative awareness, holistic vision, and mastery over large-scale works—a crystallization of cultivation, skill, technique, understanding, and life experience. In his paintings, line thickness, dryness, wetness, dot density, lightness, and darkness are now freely controlled; mountain layers and human figures rendered with exquisite precision. Whether freehand, light wash, or ink application, his control is balanced and expressive. If you calm your mind and enter his world of murals, it feels like touring China’s famous mountains and historic sites. The depicted landscapes are vast and majestic, full of powerful momentum. Take his work on the traditional Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars piece “Carrying Rice for Parents”—the figures appear vivid and lifelike, forests deeply colored, deep valleys echoing with mountain reflections, silent flowing water. In terms of technique, his ink usage is refined, varied, clearly distinguishing between thick/thin, dry/wet, layered and orderly, detailed and structured, pursuing a complete fusion of subject and object. Everyone who sees his works says they are beautiful. Indeed, the beauty lies behind each artwork—in the artist’s own beautiful soul. Without a heart capable of discovering beauty, how could there be works that bring enjoyment and aesthetic pleasure? Art reflects the artist. Mr. Jianjun’s works embody his nature—one that discovers, preserves, expresses, and promotes beauty. It is precisely because of the artist’s emotional investment and expression that his works gain vitality, soul, and resonance. I have known Mr. Jianjun for nearly ten years, exchanging letters frequently, though we have yet to meet in person. When the ancestral temple in Shandong required cultural exhibition paintings, I wrote to request he respectfully create portraits of our sage ancestors, the “Carrying Rice for Parents” scene, and the image of the late Left Vice Censor-in-Chief Zhong Gong. He readily agreed and completed them on schedule, ensuring the successful opening of the exhibition, earning widespread acclaim. My gratitude is beyond words. Hence, I offer these lines in tribute: Relatives linked by brush and friendship, one bloodline flows from Shandong. Spirits connect across thousands of miles, hearts meet through frequent letters, masterpieces unite. Chang’an’s magical brush adorns sacred halls, Stone Man paints glory onto homeland. Ink directly expresses lifelong aspiration, excelling in art as a distinguished talent. Zhong Weishuai, Representative of Jining Municipal People's Congress, Qilu Cultural Star, Cultural Talent of Jining.
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Zhong Jianjun