U Tin Maung Tun (left), speaker of the Yangon Region Parliament, attends the exhibition's opening ceremony. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The artists were split into two groups, arriving in either Bagan or Inle Lake on Nov 18. Bagan is known for its proliferation of Buddhist temples, pagodas and stupas, and the breathtaking views at sunset. Each group of artists was impressed-either by the grandeur of Bagan's pagodas, or Inle's serene lake lined with stilt houses-and their inspiration overflowed.

Collaborative painting sessions were held during the trip. Two completed large-size group paintings were exhibited together with 30 individual works on Nov 21 and 22 at Junction City in Yangon.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition was followed by a panel discussion: famous artists from China and Myanmar shared their thoughts on the value of culture and art exchanges.

Among the guests was U Alistair Ang Eng Chong, general manager of RVi Institute, part of the RVi Group.