Exhibition reveals the artistic world of celebrated couple

The home of celebrated couple Wu Zuguang (1917–2003), a renowned scholar and dramatist, and Xin Fengxia (1927–98), one of the most accomplished performers of northern China's Pingju Opera, was once affectionately described by friends as a "cultural salon" of Beijing. Over the years, the couple welcomed leading figures from the worlds of literature, drama, traditional opera, performance and fine arts into their home.

Those friendships were preserved not only in memories, but also in a remarkable collection of paintings and calligraphy gifted or created through decades of artistic exchange.

In 2025, Wu Huan, the couple's son, donated more than 30 artworks from the family collection to the China National Academy of Painting. The donation adds to the family's long-standing commitment to public cultural preservation. Wu Huan's grandfather and father previously donated 241 artworks to the Palace Museum, while Xin Fengxia donated costumes from her stage performances for research and exhibition purposes.