The donation also revealed an exhibition is being held until Aug 30 at the Shandong academy showing dozens of paintings by artists from the China National Academy, exchanging their innovative endeavors in continuing ink painting traditions.

There are also oil works on display, reflecting the recent developments of integrating this medium from the West with the cultural and social contexts of China.

Liu says it is important for the academy to continue intensifying exchanges with painting academies and artists outside Beijing to create and explore, serving people's need for art.