Painting the Great Wall: man shows passion through art

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By CGTN's Peng Hanming

Lian Da has walked along all of the Great Wall by the east of the Yellow River. From 1999 to 2016, Lian covered over 1,300 kilometers through 11 provinces.

He said it was love at first sight.

“I was young at that time, and always wanted to do something challenging,” said Lian. “One day, I found a ‘wild’ section of the Great Wall. I was overwhelmed by its incomplete beauty. It was like something hit me.”

Lian Da on the Great Wall. /CGTN Photo

He taught himself painting after falling in love with the wall. For him, it’s a chance to express his feelings. “I suddenly realized there was no other way for me to express my affections,” said Lian.

Illustration of the Great Wall by Lian Da

To date, Lian has created over 100 art pieces featuring the Great Wall. Some were even published in National Geographic magazine. Over the years, he has garnered thousands of followers on his microblog, which calls for the protection of the ancient wall.

“My works do not have to be nice or beautiful, but should reflect my mind instead.” said Lian. “I love the Great Wall, so I can sit in the wilderness for a long time to draw.”

Illustration of the Great Wall by Lian Da

In 2015, two little companions started to join him on his walks along the Great Wall. He brings his daughters along, hoping that his “flowers in the greenhouse” can grow up to be more strong-willed, determined and persevering.

Lian Da and his daughters. /CGTN Photo

Lian said protecting the Great Wall and passing his passion down to the next generation has always been his dream.

(Cameraman: Yan Jingwei, Video editor: Feng Ran, Wu Junwei, Contributor: Natalie Pang)