Junsheng Painting Institute in Zhangjiajie

The Junsheng Painting Institute (军声画院), located in Zhangjiajie City, is a national 3A-level tourist attraction. It was established in 2001 by the current director and artist, Li Junsheng (李军声), and serves as a specialized exhibition hall showcasing the unique art form of sand and stone painting.

Li Junsheng, with a solid foundation in fine arts, embarked on a deep exploration of painting. Using natural materials like sand, stones, and plants, he created a completely new form of art — sand and stone painting. This art form blends the charm of Chinese painting, the freshness of watercolor, the gravity of oil painting, the meticulousness of craft painting, and the three-dimensionality of bas-relief, earning it a reputation as both a “green” and “environmental” painting style due to its use of natural materials.

The Art of Sand and Stone Painting

Sand and stone painting represents an admiration for nature and a reflection of life. It is the result of the artist’s artistic accumulation and introspection. These paintings not only break through the boundaries of traditional art forms but also exert a profound influence on the art world.

The museum primarily displays the creative process of sand and stone paintings and the artistic treasures created by Li Junsheng over decades of research and exploration. The exhibition integrates the artist’s wisdom and national sentiments, harmonizing perfectly with the natural and simple “sand and stone paintings.”

In 2001, the Junsheng Painting Institute was opened to the public as a free attraction. Covering over 1,000 square meters, the hall showcases the unique “Junsheng sand and stone paintings” created with the distinctive natural colored sands and plants of Zhangjiajie. These artworks present a beautiful depiction of the mountains, waters, and local customs of the area. Visitors not only experience the beauty of Zhangjiajie but also gain insight into the intelligence and craftsmanship of the Tujia people.

In 2004, the People’s Congress Hall collected Li Junsheng’s sand and stone painting, “Magnificent Tianmen” (巍巍天门). That same year, the painting institute successfully applied to the National Tourism Administration for 2A-level status, marking a new milestone for the institute. The sand and stone paintings of Junsheng have received widespread popularity, exported to Southeast Asia, Europe, and America.

Artistic Recognition and Influence

Li Junsheng’s sand and stone paintings have earned recognition in the Chinese art community. The Tujia ethnic artist’s work is highly regarded for its unique style, different from the typical Western collage and mixed media. Li’s sand and stone paintings are a product of his personal aesthetic insight, creating a new and unique form of art that represents a modern Chinese art style deeply rooted in the local culture of Zhangjiajie.

Although Li may not be familiar with the works of Western artists such as Dubuffet, Papies, or Pollock, his sand and stone paintings achieve a similar visual effect, showcasing the characteristics of Chinese, particularly Hunan Zhangjiajie, art.

Achievements and Awards

Li Junsheng has hosted numerous exhibitions and earned significant recognition for his work. Some of his accomplishments include:

In 1994, Li held a personal sand and stone painting exhibition at the China Art Museum in Beijing.
In 1999, his sand and stone painting “Wuling Mountains’ Beauty” was collected by the Chinese Pavilion at the Kunming World Expo.
In 2000, his painting “Ancient City” won a Gold Award at the 3rd China Arts and Crafts Exposition.
In 2003, his painting “Scenery” was collected by Zhongnanhai (Central Government Compound).
In 2004, his painting “Scenery Reappears” participated in the “Paris China Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition.”
In 2005, his painting “The Soul of Wuling Tianmen Mountain” was displayed at the Chinese Pavilion during the Japan Expo.

Li’s works have been widely reported by domestic and international media, and his name is included in several renowned reference books.

Cultural Philosophy and Legacy

Li Junsheng’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that “a fine artwork is not confined by materials and techniques, but depends on the creator’s spiritual perception.” Junsheng Painting Institute and his sand and stone art have become cultural landmarks within Zhangjiajie, blending natural beauty with artistic charm.

Visiting Information

Address: Located in Zhangjiajie City, approximately 35 kilometers from the Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源风景名胜区).
Opening Hours:
- Peak Season (March 1st – November 30th): 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tickets stop being sold at 4:30 PM)
- Off-Season (December 1st – February 28th): 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Tickets stop being sold at 4:00 PM)
Best Visiting Time: April-June, September-November
Admission Fee: 258 RMB (Separate tickets for different attractions in Zhangjiajie)
Self-Driving Route Recommendation: From Zhangjiajie, pass through Jinbian Stream (金鞭溪), Yuanjiajie (袁家界), and finally arrive at Tianzi Mountain (天子山) and Zhangjiajie Huanglong Cave (黄龙洞).

The Junsheng Painting Institute, with its rich cultural and artistic heritage, not only contributes to Zhangjiajie tourism but also garners wide acclaim in the art world.

Four Major Patents

Patent One: Colorful Sandstone Painting Craft

The “Junsheng” brand colorful sandstone paintings, made using this process, are more colorful, visually appealing, and practical compared to traditional sandstone paintings.

Patent Two: Portable Sandstone Painting Craft

This process results in the “Junsheng” brand portable sandstone paintings, which address the issue of sandstone paintings being heavy and inconvenient to carry. This innovation meets the needs of different tourists, making it easier for the paintings to be exported globally.

Patent Three: Door and Window Sandstone Painting Craft

The “Junsheng” brand door and window sandstone paintings created using this method are more elegant and ancient-looking, with a certain level of interactivity and fun.

Patent Four: Hidden Picture Craft

The “Junsheng” brand hidden pictures, made with this technique, fully utilize natural materials to create sandstone art, evoking a sense of returning to simplicity and nature. This innovation has pushed sandstone art to a new peak, receiving praise from visitors.

Honors and Recognition

In 1999, the sandstone painting “Wuling Mountain Scenery, First Under Heaven” was collected by the China Pavilion at the 1999 Kunming Expo.
In 2000, the sandstone painting “Ancient City” won the Gold Award at the 3rd China Arts and Crafts Exposition.
In 2003, the sandstone painting “Landscape” was collected by Zhongnanhai (中南海, the central government compound).
In 2004, the sandstone painting “Landscape Reappearance” participated in the “Paris-China Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition” in France.
In 2004, the “Junsheng” painting “Majestic Tianmen Mountain” was collected by the People’s Great Hall.
In 2005, “The Soul of Wuling Tianmen Mountain” was selected by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) as the only painting exhibited and collected in the reception hall of the China Pavilion at the 2005 Japan International Expo.

Biography of Li Junsheng (李军声)

Li Junsheng is the founder of sandstone painting, a member of the China Artists Association, a senior craft artist, and a member of the China Arts and Crafts Association. He is also a guest professor in the Fine Arts Department at Jishou University.

Major Milestones in His Career:

1994: Held a solo exhibition of sandstone paintings at the China National Art Museum in Beijing.
1997: Founded the Junsheng Sandstone Painting Research Institute.
1999: His painting “Wuling Mountain Scenery, First Under Heaven” was selected by the Hunan provincial government and collected at the China Pavilion of the 1999 Kunming Expo.
2000: The painting “Ancient City” won the Gold Award at the 3rd China Arts and Crafts Exposition and later received the “Five-One Project” Award in 2003.
2003: Published the first book on sandstone painting, Junsheng Sandstone Painting Collection, with China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Publishing House.
2003: Awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award by the China Arts and Crafts Association.
2004: The painting “Landscape” was collected by Zhongnanhai.
2004: His oil painting “Tribal Echoes” won the Excellent Award at the 10th National Art Exhibition—Hunan region.
2004: His painting “Landscape Reappearance” participated in the “Paris-China Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition.”
2005: Held a solo exhibition in Macau, organized by the Macau Foundation.
2006: His sandstone painting “Majestic Tianmen Mountain” was collected by the People’s Great Hall.
2007: His painting “Wind of the Past” won the “China Arts and Crafts Cultural Creativity Gold Award” at the 3rd Shenzhen International Cultural Industry Expo.
2007: His sandstone painting “Walking on the Clouds” was collected by the National Petition Bureau.
2008: His work “Big Mountain” was selected for the “08 Shape Art Newcomer Exhibition” by the China Artists Association.
2008: Invited to the U.S. to participate in the Las Vegas International Art Expo.

Li Junsheng and his sandstone paintings have been featured in numerous domestic and international media, including CCTV, Taiwan TV, Hong Kong TV, People’s Daily, and cultural exchange publications. His works have been included in various professional books like Chinese Oil Painting, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, and Decorative Magazine.

Tourist Information

The Junsheng Painting Institute is located in Zhangjiajie (张家界), which is part of the subtropical monsoon climate zone of central Asia. The area enjoys ample sunlight, abundant rainfall, a long frost-free period, and distinct seasons. The annual average frost-free period ranges from 216 to 269 days, with an average temperature of 16.6°C. Zhangjiajie experiences mild winters and cool summers, making it an ideal destination for tourism year-round. The best time to visit is from April to October.