Ancient cultures arising along the banks of the Yellow River formed the basis for the Chinese civilization which has thrived to this day. The river is therefore often referred to as the "Mother River" by the Chinese.

More than 70 artists from the China National Academy of Painting traveled extensively to the nine provinces along the Yellow River last year, where they were immersed in the long history and diverse cultures.

Nearly 200 paintings and sculptures created based on these journeys are now on show at Ode to Yellow River, at the art gallery of the China National Academy of Painting until Jan 20.

The works hail natural landscapes as well as trace the development of Chinese cultures and social transformation over centuries.