On October 23rd, in a calligraphy and painting studio at the firefighting station in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, we sat down with the team leader of the special operations unit, Zhang Yansheng. He was immersed in the creation of an ink painting titled “For You, I Would Brave Fire and Water; For You, I Hold Tender Affection.”
The inspiration for this artwork stems from a heart-stopping fire rescue. During that incident, two firefighters, fully equipped, faced raging flames without hesitation. They exchanged fist bumps and communicated silently, conveying their deepest promise to each other—return safely.
“Every time we put on our full protective gear, we feel like we’re wrapped in heavy armor, making verbal communication difficult. So, a fist bump becomes our sincerest agreement,” Zhang explained. “This painting may look simple, but its creation was complex, as I aimed to showcase both the resilience and tenderness of firefighters.”
The walls of the studio are adorned with Zhang’s works from over the years. Since joining the firefighting team in 2007, he has participated in more than 500 fire-fighting missions and over 200 rescue operations. Each rescue has deepened his understanding of the responsibilities and commitments that come with being a firefighter.
“One winter, during a fire rescue, my teammates and I fought for eight hours before we successfully saved those trapped inside. In that moment, I felt the fragility and resilience of life, and I truly appreciated the greatness and nobility of being a firefighter,” he shared.
Besides the high-pressure and dangerous work of firefighting, Zhang has another passion—calligraphy and painting. Every Spring Festival, he was captivated by the beautiful couplets displayed in homes.
“After joining the fire brigade, I found the cultural activities here to be rich, and many firefighters enjoyed contributing to magazines and newspapers. That reignited my old dream of creating art,” Zhang recalled.
He often took advantage of breaks to go outdoors for sketches, inspired by the stunning scenery around him. In 2019, he won first prize at a Spring Festival calligraphy and painting exhibition in Fuyun County for his piece “Purple Qi Comes from the East.” “Winning that award gave me immense encouragement and confidence, reinforcing my determination to pursue this artistic path,” he said.
Since then, he has integrated the experiences of firefighting into his artwork, capturing unforgettable moments with his brush. His art has since been recognized in national exhibitions and competitions and is collected by various institutions both domestically and internationally.
However, for Zhang, these accolades are not what matter most. He hopes to use his art to draw more attention to firefighting and safety issues. Under his influence, many firefighters at the station have also taken up calligraphy and painting, using their spare time to document their lives in the fire service.
Today, the calligraphy and painting studio at the rescue station has become a unique space. It offers firefighters a place to relax and cultivate their spirits while also serving as a vital platform for promoting the firefighting spirit and positive energy.
“In the future, I aim to create more firefighting-themed artworks that resonate with the realities of our work,” Zhang said, “I hope my pieces can encourage a greater appreciation for life.”
