Cultural activities are booming as excitement for the Olympic games mounts. There's a painting exhibition by Liu Zhong. It's a kind of ode to Nature with an eco-friendly theme.

Liu Zhong's exhibition opened at the the Art Gallery of the National Painting Institute, Wednesday. The exhibition amounts to a summation of the painter's 35 year career and his dedication to art.

Liu Zhong took up the study of painting at the age of four. He went to France for his formal training in the fine arts. He's been awarded several times, at home and abroad. His works have ever been shown around the globe.

The pieces chosen for the current exhibit emphasize Liu Zhong's commitment to the protection of Nature. The works show strong elements of western oil painting, influencing the Chinese ink brush tradition.

Liu's painting exhibition is designated as one of the official Olympic cultural activities. Part of the mission for this year's Summer Games is to make these the "Green Olympics." The exhibition of Liu's paintings continues until Monday.