Qigong (artist) - Opinions and Legacy

Opinions and Legacy

Despite being an acclaimed teacher, Qigong was perhaps more famous as an artist. At the time of his death, people eulogized him as a humorous, modest, generous, and open-minded "old grandpa." Faced with the praise of "a living national treasure" due to his art, knowledge, and personality, Qi always joked that it sounded like he was "a giant panda."

Qi wrote a large number of calligraphic pieces that can be seen on a host of landmark buildings, at scenic spots around China, and on many book covers alongside the book titles. To own a piece of calligraphy by Qi Gong is the dream of many of his admirers, let alone those sharp-eyed experts and other enthusiasts.

He was deeply grateful to his mentor Chen Yuan who led him towards a lifelong career as a teacher and scholar and who never gave up on the talented Qi Gong, even though Qi lived in poverty and did not even complete middle school. What he also valued most in his life was the pure love and selfless support between him and his wife Zhang Baochen.