The city of Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang Province has much to offer visitors. Breathtaking views of the scenic West Lake area and pleasant weather most of the year are among its perks. When it comes to the city's culture, one of the "must-see's" is the "Jiangnan Copper House." It's China's only museum focusing on copper sculptures, offering a look into the history and development of the nation's copper art.

Walking along Hefang Street in Hangzhou, one can't miss Jiangnan Copper House.

Occupying nearly three-thousand square meters, the museum unfolds the characteristics of an ancient garden in a southern water town. Except for the walls and the floor, the building's structure and furniture are all made of or decorated with copper. The house contains an estimated 56 tons of the material.

Copper paintings, copper calligraphy, copper murals, and copper sculptures can be seen in every corner of the museum.

Owner Zhu Bingren has been dubbed "the father of modern bronze and copper art in China." 

"Many craftsmen came to Hangzhou during the Song Dynasty, about 900 years ago, when the emperor made the city China's capital. Many of them settled along modern-day Hefang Street, so today you can see many shops selling copper artwork here. I built this copper house with my son. Our goal is to pass down this traditional craftsmanship from generation to generation," said Zhu.

Zhu adds that copper is more than just art for his family - it's a livelihood. His great grandfather started a bronze and copper workshop and passed his knowledge onto his son, making Zhu a fourth generation craftsman.

For decades, he has also been dedicated to the innovative development and techniques of copper sculpting.

One of his current projects is creating copper New Year pictures. While traditional New Year works are mainly water-color paintings, Zhu uses copper materials such as wire and copper sheets to create pictures.

In 2006, a fire broke out when he was building a pagoda. But the accident didn't wreck his enthusiasm. Instead, it gave him the inspiration to use copper liquid to create new artwork.

In recent years, together with his son Zhu Junming, the master has made his copper house a school where more people can learn the skill.

Museums across China have showcased dozens of Zhu's works. Many say they are good combinations of modern art, and the liberal style of traditional Chinese culture.

In Beijing's 798 Art District, Zhu has also built his own art museum, featuring most of his better-known and stunning works. For bronze enthusiasts, it's a dream world where the art of bronze is extended beyond ordinary imagination.