The entrance to the Tsai Chih-chung Art Museum features a cartoon statue. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The Tsai Chih-chung Art Museum, located in Hangzhou's Xixi National Wetland Park, opened to the public on Nov 18. This unique fusion of natural beauty and artistic heritage is set to enrich cultural and recreational offerings for residents and tourists alike.

Spanning 3,302 square meters, the museum features three distinctive halls: the Footprint Hall, showcasing the legendary life journey of celebrated cartoonist Tsai Chih-chung; the Stroke Hall, focusing on the artist's works blending Chinese classics and science; and the Heart Hall, exploring his deep connection with Xixi and the creative process behind his Water Margin. Over 400 of Tsai's iconic comic masterpieces are currently on display.

A standout feature of the museum is the striking sculpture of Wu Song slaying a tiger, inspired by Tsai's illustrations of The 108 Heroes of the Water Margin. This sculpture symbolizes the artist's strong ties to the Water Margin narrative and Xixi Wetland, where he lived for 15 years and created vivid depictions of the legendary characters.

The museum also offers interactive spaces like art classrooms, a book cafe, and a cultural store, alongside plans for regular exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

Admission is free, and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays, except public holidays).

The art museum displays many of Tsai's works. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]