The old school site of Huangpu Military Academy in Guangzhou, Guangdong province Photo: IC

Inspired by China's well-known cultural emblem, The Great Wall, an art exhibition of artists from the Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan was recently launched in both Beijing and Taipei. 

The art shows are being held in two venues to engage local audiences. The major items on display are paintings, calligraphy works as well as sculptures that depict major Chinese landmarks such as The Great Wall. 

The landmark of The Great Wall was chosen as the show's theme for a reason. Chen Zhishu, the vice president of the fellow-students association of the Huangpu Military Academy, also known as the Republic of China Military Academy, emphasized that the history of The Great Wall is like a historical story about "unity and the Chinese spirit of always heading forward in development." 

"It has witnessed the process of China walking toward prosperity, and it will always be there to witness the further growth of the country," Chen remarked. 

Wang Peiming, a cultural industry expert in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, told the Global Times that The Great Wall has always been a main theme inspiring artworks in various mediums. Although artists from the Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan might have different interpretations of it, the architecture's "resilient spirit" is still shared by the nation and bonds people's hearts from the both side of Straits. 

"Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor who ruled the country 1,000 years ago, made great efforts to reconnect the fragmented parts of The Great Wall so it could safeguard the country. It has been a seed in every Chinese person's heart that reminds us all about our longing for peace and to always be loyal to our country," Wang told the Global Times. 

The exhibition engaged a total of 300 participants, including important community members such as historical scholars from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and retired military officers and student representatives of the Huangpu Military Academy that is currently located in Kaohsiung. Officially opened on May 1, 1924, the academy has produced many commanders who fought for China in many wars during the 20th century. 

The exhibition is also going to publish a printed catalogue. The exhibition at the Beijing venue, the Zhigao Gallery, will run until May 1.