The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) saw crucial developments in classic Chinese painting and the rise of great reformers in history. Artists shifted from accurate delimitation of brushwork to layering loose strokes, prioritizing individual expression over adherence to technical rules. Behind this significant change in style stood adventurous figures, such as the "four masters of the Yuan Dynasty" — Huang Gongwang, Wu Zhen, Ni Zan and Wang Meng.

The reformative spirit of Yuan artists is the theme of a long-term exhibition at the Museum of Art and Archaeology of Zhejiang University, in the provincial capital Hangzhou. On show are life-size images of the iconic Yuan paintings housed at museums and institutions at home and abroad. It offers insight into the creative efforts of the artists of the time, who were deeply committed to revitalizing the artistry of Song Dynasty (960-1279) painters and advancing the style of wenrenhua (intellectual painting). The exhibition was made possible thanks to a major initiative by Zhejiang University and the Cultural Heritage Bureau of Zhejiang Province. This initiative is a book series titled A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings, which documents and catalogs thousands of traditional Chinese paintings held in collections worldwide.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays. Zijingang campus of Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Lu, Xihu district, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. 0571-8707-2306.