Yu Danqing hosted her first art exhibition in Beijing in late 1992, at the age of 21. It was at that event she met two expats who were so enraptured by her work, and by Chinese painting, that they asked her if she would become their teacher.
Three decades later, Yu, now an internationally renowned and multi-awardwinning artist, is still helping visitors and expats understand Chinese culture, teaching traditional wash painting, calligraphy and history. “Art has no borders. It is one of the best channels to build understanding, reduce estrangement and prejudice, and create a peaceful world,” Yu told Beijing Review.
