Ancient architecture through a new view

This was Yaputra's second visit to Shanxi.

The first time, he traveled south from Taiyuan, taking in the province's architectural heritage from what he described as "a broader perspective". On this year's journey, he headed north instead, allowing him to slow down and study individual buildings in greater detail.

While Yaputra found himself drawing more liberally, Qin discovered something else by watching the other artists.

His fascination with architecture began not in China but in Europe, inspired by landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Tower Bridge in London. Eventually, however, his attention turned to home, beginning with Jinci Temple near his grandmother's house in Taiyuan.

His illustrations are so meticulously detailed that viewers often compare them to architectural blueprints.

"I mainly try to document buildings objectively. An illustrator is usually expected to bring more personal expression," he explains.

That contrast became especially clear when he watched German illustrator and new media artist Anja Nolte at work.