Artworks by members of the Academy of Fine Arts of France are on show at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Garel, who first visited China in 2000, says this is his second trip to the country, and adds that he is amazed by the country's changing architecture.

The painter says he is interested in the history of Chinese painting, and is inspired by the concept of liu bai, or blankness, in classical Chinese ink-and-wash painting.

"Chinese art has extended its influence across geographic borders. Many Chinese have studied fine arts in France and one of them who has become well known in Europe is Yan Pei-ming (a Chinese-French painter)," he says.

"The progress of Chinese art is good for both China and France."

If you go

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays, until May 22. NAMOC, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6400-1476