A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains -The story of a young painter and his legendary scroll China Plus

​"A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains" is a masterpiece of Wang Ximeng, an ancient painter of China's Northern Song Dynasty. While his epic work continues to amaze viewers with its striking beauty, the passionate young man and his creative journey are still a mystery today. This radio drama brings you the young painter's arduous and unforgettable journey in creating this painting!

In 1100, 19-year-old Zhao Ji ascended the throne, becoming the eighth emperor of the Great Song Dynasty, later known as Emperor Huizong of Song.

A rare form of splendor and immensity, the blue and green landscape painting by the genius painter impressed the whole court, not least the Emperor Huizong of Song, father of the Imperial Painting Academy and creator of the dynasty’s esthetics system in general.

Clerk at the Hanlin Imperial Painting Academy Zhang Moyu received a recommendation letter and came to Central Fujian to scout for painting prodigies. He was elated to discover Wang Ximeng and Li Guisheng with their extraordinary talents.

In 1107, 12-year-old Wang Ximeng and 15-year-old Li Guisheng set out from their hometown in central Fujian. They travelled through Ganjiang River, Hongzhou, now arriving at the magnificent Pengli Lake. The water's surface is dotted with white sails. Mount Lushan stands shrouded in mist by the shore.

At 12 years old, Wang Ximeng passed the exam to become the youngest student at the Imperial Painting Academy. He studied under the guidance of great artists of the time in the next three years.