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In a world buzzing with digital trends and AI-generated art, 27-year-old Liu Wanming is carving his own path by diving deep into China's rich artistic legacy. While studying at Beijing’s prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts, Liu became known as the art world’s 'time traveler'—a Gen-Z creator who’d rather debate Song Dynasty landscape techniques than experiment with NFTs.
'While classmates were mimicking Warhol, I was geeking out over ink-wash masters like Bada Shanren,' Liu shared with NewspaperAmigo. His dorm walls? Covered in hand-copied Tang Dynasty poetry scrolls. His Instagram? A mix of #StudyWithMe reels showing his meticulous brushwork and clapbacks to critics who called his style 'outdated.'
This modern-day traditionalist isn’t just preserving history—he’s making it relevant. Last month, his Mountains in Mist series went viral on Douyin (China’s TikTok), racking up 2 million views from teens obsessed with '安静 vibes' (chill aesthetics). 'It’s like lo-fi hip hop for your eyes,' commented one fan.
Cultural experts say Liu’s rise mirrors a global youth trend: 68% of millennials in a recent UNESCO survey expressed interest in learning traditional crafts. From Kyoto’s kimono influencers to Mexico City’s neon folk artists, young creators are remixing heritage with edge.
Next up? Liu’s planning a 'Guochao meets streetwear' collab—think hoodies featuring QR codes that unlock augmented reality landscapes. 'The past isn’t a museum exhibit,' he says. 'It’s fuel for tomorrow’s masterpieces.'
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
While studying at Beijing’s prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts, Liu became known as the art world’s 'time traveler'—a Gen-Z creator who’d rather debate Song Dynasty landscape techniques than experiment with NFTs.
