One of Qi Baishi's paintings on show. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In his message to the awards ceremony, Qi said: "I love my hometown, the beautiful and prosperous lands of my country and all lives there. I've spent my lifetime integrating the ordinary Chinese people's emotions into my paintings and poems. In recent years, I have realized that what I pursue is world peace."

In the past, many people focused on Qi's paintings because of their high values at auction, Shan Jixiang, director of the Palace Museum, says.

"We want to show his spirit and cultural significance through this exhibition, especially at a time when mutual learning and coexistence of different civilizations are advocated."

Though the Palace Museum is dedicated to housing ancient art, it also has about 6,000 pieces of modern art, including 400 of Qi's works, most of which have rarely been exhibited before.

Earlier this year, the museum held an exhibition for Wu Changshuo's (1844-1927) work, with one calligraphy piece promoting Qi's paintings as a highlight.

Still, the museum needs more space to hold exhibitions for eminent individual modern Chinese artists.

Shan, the director, reveals that a new branch gallery of the museum will soon be established near the Forbidden City, which will be used entirely to display modern art.

If you go

Prosperity in Tranquility: The Art of Qi Baishi

Central gallery (through Aug 12) and western wing (through Oct 8) of the Meridian Gate Gallery, Palace Museum, 4 Jingshan Qianjie, Dongcheng district, Beijing (entry via southern gate only).

60 yuan ($8.9) for tickets to the museum; online reservations through en.dpm.org.cn.