Walk & Talk with the Artist: Chinese Empresses with Xiang Li and Fei Wu
Join internationally acclaimed artist Xiang Li and her daughter Fei Wu for an intimate guided tour of their exhibit, Chinese Empresses. Explore the rich stories woven into each hand-painted silk tapestry, learn about the traditional techniques behind this ancient art form, and discover its fascinating connections to botanical history.

Artist Bio 

Xiang Li is an internationally acclaimed artist specializing in reproducing and restoring ancient Chinese paintings at the Forbidden City of Beijing, China, where she worked as a Master Artist for 37 years. Li’s most recent collection, Chinese Empresses, features over 200 empresses painted with gemstone watercolors on silk and has been showcased at museums across Massachusetts including the Harvard Museums, Worcester Art Museum, Jean McDonough Arts Center (JMAC), Cambridge Library, and more.  

Learn more about Xiang Li.

Artist Statement

Xiang Li: The Chinese Empresses Collection at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

My lifelong journey as an artist began within the storied walls of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, where I dedicated over 37 years as a professional artist specializing in the meticulous art of painting, restoration, and cultural preservation. Immersed from a young age in the ancient techniques passed down through generations, I developed a profound respect for Chinese history, traditions, and artistry. This journey culminated in the creation of The Chinese Empresses Collection, a series that honors powerful yet often overlooked women who profoundly influenced China’s rich heritage.

Flowers symbolize resilience, beauty, and deep cultural significance in China—qualities vividly reflected in the lives and legacies of these empresses. Each portrait intertwines floral motifs directly tied to the narratives of the empresses, highlighting their strength, grace, and complexity. As visitors explore New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, the historical figures I’ve painted are complemented by blossoms, blending both Chinese, native US and global floral species, creating a visual bridge between distant past and present.

Presenting my collection amongst the tranquil, flourishing surroundings of the Garden carries a particular resonance. It embodies my vision of art as a powerful medium for community and universal connection. I invite visitors to be inspired by the stories of these extraordinary women, to recognize their own strength reflected in these narratives, and to experience a sense of shared humanity. Together, amid blooming gardens and historic portraits, we celebrate enduring resilience and timeless beauty. 

$15 Members | $38 Adults (includes admission to the Garden)