During the warravaged 1930s and 40s, a group of artists, including Zhang Daqian, Chang Shuhong and Dong Xiwen, embarked on a journey to the remote parts of western China, a cradle of Chinese civilization and a historical melting pot of Eastern and Western culture.

They gained unique experiences by interacting with ethnic groups and were artistically inspired by the magnificent landscapes. Their works unveiled the mysteries of western China's incredible cultural treasure trove, especially the legacies of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes.

Their discoveries inspired future generations of artists to further explore the west. This important moment in Chinese art history is marked by an exhibition titled Go to the West at the National Art Museum, with a selection of 170 ink and color paintings, oils, prints, sculptures and comic strips from the museum's collection.

9 am-5 pm, until Jan 9. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie (Street), Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6400-1476.

Paintings are displayed at National Art Museum of China. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]