Dai Dunbang Art Center Debuts in Hangzhou's Xixi Wetlands

Amidst the serene waterways and reed-lined shores of Hangzhou's Xixi Wetlands, the newly opened Dai Dunbang Art Center has emerged as a profound blend of classical Chinese architecture and literary traditions.

Born in 1938, Dai Dunbang is recognized as a master of modern Chinese narrative painting, building global fame through his profound interpretations of classical literature.

His illustrated series for "Water Margin" gained worldwide exposure when published bilingually by Foreign Languages Press in the 1980s. His works were also selected by the British Museum's modern Chinese art collection in 2016, with curators particularly noting his unique synthesis of traditional line-drawing techniques with contemporary expression.

The launch exhibition of the art center features nearly 50 original drawings from "Dream of the Red Chamber" and "Water Margin," created by the artist after his 80th birthday.

It is also the first time that these drawings are being shown to the public. These recent works demonstrate an even deeper mastery of Dai's brushwork and compositional sophistication.

"The master recreated the 'Water Margin' and 'Dream of the Red Chamber' every few years," said Zhang Pu, deputy director of the Hangzhou National Archives of Publications, at the opening ceremony. "Yet each version brings fresh perspective and innovation, never repeating what came before."

Such artistic pursuit ensures that Dai's works remain vibrantly contemporary while deeply rooted in China's cultural heritage.

Even the center itself is a piece of art. It consists of five white-walled and black-tiled structures connected by winding corridors, reflecting a seamless transition between the interior exhibition spaces and the surrounding landscape, where small bridges arch over the tranquil streams.

Divided into six exhibition sections, visitors are able to experience the full charisma reflected in Dai's creations.

For example, "The Water Margin Hall" presents all 108 heroes of the classic novel, each character vibrating with a distinctive personality and narrative potential. "The Dream of the Red Chamber Hall", meanwhile, employs subtle motion sensors and digital animation to bring to life some scenes, such as the "Illusory Land of Great Void", maintaining the essential spirit of Dai's original ink-wash aesthetic.

The center also announced a significant partnership with the publishing house of Rongbaozhai, a century-old cultural brand, to spread Dai's artistic legacy.

If you go

Opening hours: 9am-5pm, close on Mondays

Address: Shentankou Xixi Wetland, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

浙江省杭州市西溪湿地深潭口