Experience a visual journey through the mythical and cultural realm of Chinese art with this collection of 30 stunning prompts. Inspired by Chinese mythology, landscapes, and cultural traditions, these prompts capture the essence of Chinese art with a perfect blend of genres, styles, mediums, techniques, lighting, and color settings. From ink paintings of mythical creatures to breathtaking landscapes, these prompts showcase the mastery of the five most suitable artists in each category. With minimalism, sketch, splash art, and other techniques, these prompts also highlight the simple and beautiful properties of Chinese ink painting. Get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Chinese art with this collection of breathtaking prompts.

30 Text-to-image prompt examples

1. An awe-inspiring Chinese mythical creature, the dragon, rising from the waters in a majestic pose; surrealism, realism, traditional Chinese painting, watercolor; ink wash, gouache, watercolor on rice paper; a balanced mix of bright and subdued colors to emphasize the contrast between the dragon and the water; by Chen Hongshou, Gu Kaizhi, Wu Guanzhong, Qi Baishi, and Huang Yongyu; minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
2. A serene Chinese landscape depicting a picturesque mountain range and tranquil river; landscape painting, realism, impressionism; oil paint, acrylics, canvas; natural lighting with a warm color temperature to highlight the peaceful atmosphere of the scene; by Fan Kuan, Huang Gongwang, Wang Hui, Shi Tao, and Ni Zan; minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
3. A lively Chinese New Year celebration in full swing, complete with colorful lanterns, dragon dances, and firecrackers; genre painting, realism, folk art; mixed media on canvas, incorporating paper cutouts, embroidery, and metallic embellishments; bright, vibrant colors to convey the festive mood; by Wu Guanzhong, Xu Beihong, Qi Baishi, Li Keran, and Zhang Daqian; minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
4. A stunning ink painting depicting the legendary creature, Qilin. Qilin is a mythical beast that symbolizes prosperity, peace, and good luck in Chinese culture. The painting will showcase the creature in its natural habitat, surrounded by trees, flowers, and flowing streams, all rendered with stunning detail and precision. This painting will utilize the classical Chinese painting style, specifically Gongbi, and will be executed on rice paper with Chinese ink and watercolors. The lighting will be dim and focused on the Qilin, with a slight spotlight effect. The color palette will be mostly muted earth tones with vibrant pops of red and gold to symbolize wealth and good fortune. The five most suitable artists for this masterpiece are Wang Hui, Shen Zhou, Qiu Ying, Zhang Daqian, and Wu Guanzhong. Minimalism, ink wash, Chinese painting, watercolor, traditional art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5.
5. A stunning painting of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The painting will depict the iconic palace complex in all its splendor, with intricate architectural details and vibrant colors that capture the essence of the Ming Dynasty. The style of the painting will be Gongbi, a highly detailed and realistic style of Chinese painting. The medium used will be gouache, which is perfect for capturing the bright colors and intricate details of the Forbidden City. The lighting will be natural and bright, with a focus on the red and gold colors that are symbolic of prosperity and happiness in Chinese culture. The five most suitable artists for this masterpiece are Xu Beihong, Qi Baishi, Wu Guanzhong, Zhang Daqian, and Shi Lu. Realism, gouache painting, architectural art, traditional Chinese painting, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5.
6. An imaginative and mystical ink painting of the Jade Emperor, the ruler of all gods and goddesses in Chinese mythology. The painting will depict the Jade Emperor sitting on his throne in the heavens, with his entourage of celestial beings surrounding him. The painting style will be Xieyi, a freehand brushwork style that emphasizes bold strokes and spontaneity. The medium used will be Chinese ink, which is perfect for capturing the ethereal and otherworldly quality of the subject matter. The lighting will be soft and ethereal, with a slight glow around the Jade Emperor’s throne. The color palette will be mostly cool blues and greens, with touches of gold and red to symbolize the Jade Emperor’s power and authority. The five most suitable artists for this masterpiece are Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, Wu Guanzhong, Zhang Daqian, and Huang Binhong. Xieyi, freehand brushwork, Chinese ink painting, mythology art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5.
7. A serene landscape painting of a misty mountain range in Guilin. The painting captures the breathtaking scenery of the mountain range and its reflection on the serene Li River below. Depicted in the traditional Chinese ink painting style, the painting highlights the delicate balance between the beauty of nature and human civilization. Landscape painting; Traditional Chinese ink painting; Brushwork and ink wash; Soft lighting setting; Earthy color settings; by Xu Beihong, Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Huang Binhong, and Shen Zhou; minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, sketch, splash art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
8. An ethereal depiction of the Moon Goddess Chang’e in her palace on the moon. She is elegantly attired in a flowing robe, holding a lotus blossom in one hand, and the elixir of immortality in the other. In the background, a jade rabbit can be seen pounding the elixir. The painting, inspired by Chinese mythology, captures the essence of grace, beauty, and serenity. Mythological painting; Contemporary digital painting; Airbrushing technique; Soft lighting setting; Pastel color settings; by Zhang Xiaotao, Cai Guo-Qiang, Xu Bing, Wu Guanzhong, and Zhang Peili; surrealism, abstract, digital art, traditional art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
9. A captivating portrait of a beautiful Chinese woman in a traditional qipao, surrounded by peonies. The painting, in the style of modern Chinese ink painting, captures the essence of beauty, femininity, and elegance. The woman’s gaze is captivating, drawing the viewer in, while the peonies symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and love. Portrait painting; Modern Chinese ink painting; Layering technique; Soft lighting setting; Pastel color settings; by Xu Wei, Wu Changshuo, Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, and Li Keran; minimalism, modernism, ink drawing, sketch, splash art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
10. A stunning digital art piece depicting the “Dragon Boat Festival” with a background of the breathtaking landscape of the Li River. The scene captures the vibrant atmosphere of the festival with colorful boats on the river and people celebrating on the shore. The art style is a mix of traditional Chinese painting and modern digital art techniques. The lighting is set to emphasize the festive mood with bright, warm tones. The color settings are vivid and bold, highlighting the joyful atmosphere. This artwork is created using a combination of digital painting and 3D modeling techniques, and is brought to life with Unreal Engine 5. By Yang Liu, Qian Xun, Liu Xiaodong, Zhang Xiaogang, and Wang Guangyi. Minimalism, digital painting, 3D modeling, realism, surrealism, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
11. A stunning watercolor painting of “Cherry Blossom Season” in a Chinese garden, the delicate pink blossoms contrast beautifully with the dark tree branches and the soft green foliage. The painting style is inspired by the traditional Chinese “gongbi” technique, which emphasizes fine details and intricate brushwork. The lighting is set to enhance the delicate beauty of the blossoms, with soft, natural tones. The color settings are serene and peaceful, evoking the tranquil atmosphere of the garden. This artwork is created using watercolor painting techniques, and is brought to life with Unreal Engine 5. By Wu Guanzhong, Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, Zhang Daqian, and Huang Zhou. Realism, impressionism, watercolor, gongbi, landscape painting, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
12. An exquisite ink painting of a “Koi Pond” with lush greenery and colorful fish swimming in the clear water. The art style is inspired by the traditional Chinese “xieyi” technique, which focuses on capturing the spirit or essence of the subject rather than the details. The lighting is set to create a peaceful and serene mood, with soft, natural tones. The color settings are subtle and harmonious, with shades of blue and green dominating the painting. This artwork is created using ink painting techniques, and is brought to life with Unreal Engine 5. By Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Wu Guanzhong, Pan Tianshou, and Li Keran. Ink painting, xieyi, minimalism, impressionism, traditional painting, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
13. A serene and peaceful traditional Chinese landscape painting of a secluded mountain temple. This painting depicts a tall mountain with a temple perched on its peak. The temple is surrounded by lush green trees and waterfalls that flow into a tranquil pond. The painting should convey a sense of calmness and tranquility. Art genres: Landscape, Traditional Chinese Painting. Art styles: Classic Chinese Painting. Mediums and techniques: Watercolor on rice paper. Lighting settings: Natural light. Color settings: Earth tones with subtle accents of red and gold. Suitable artists: Wu Guanzhong, Zhang Daqian, Qi Baishi, Huang Binhong, and Xu Beihong. Minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, sketch, splash art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
14. A vibrant and expressive traditional Chinese ink painting of a majestic dragon. This painting depicts a dragon with swirling clouds, flames, and water. The dragon should be fierce yet graceful, with a sense of movement and fluidity. Art genres: Mythology, Traditional Chinese Painting. Art styles: Gongbi, Xieyi. Mediums and techniques: Ink on silk. Lighting settings: Dramatic lighting with high contrast. Color settings: Bold and vivid colors, predominantly red, blue, and gold. Suitable artists: Zhang Daqian, Xu Beihong, Qi Baishi, Wu Guanzhong, and Fu Baoshi. Minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, sketch, splash art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
15. A mystical and dreamy traditional Chinese painting of a phoenix. This painting depicts a phoenix surrounded by a cloud of mist and flowers. The phoenix should be graceful, with a sense of otherworldliness and mystery. Art genres: Mythology, Traditional Chinese Painting. Art styles: Gongbi, Xieyi. Mediums and techniques: Ink and color on silk. Lighting settings: Soft lighting with a warm glow. Color settings: Soft and ethereal colors, predominantly pink, purple, and gold. Suitable artists: Qi Baishi, Wu Guanzhong, Zhang Daqian, Xu Beihong, and Huang Binhong. Minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, sketch, splash art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
16. An atmospheric ink painting of the misty Yellow Mountains. The painting showcases the iconic landscape of Huangshan, with its imposing peaks, winding paths, and tranquil waterfalls. Traditional Chinese elements are incorporated throughout the piece, such as the red stamp signature and the bold, expressive brushstrokes. Genres include landscape and traditional Chinese painting, while the style is a blend of realism and impressionism. Mediums used include ink and rice paper, with the technique of graded washes to create depth and shadow. The lighting is atmospheric, with mist and cloud cover adding to the sense of mystery and wonder. Suitable artists for this masterpiece include Shi Tao, Wang Hui, Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, and Zhang Daqian. Minimalism, ink drawing, rice paper, graded washes, atmospheric lighting, cool tones. 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
17. A stunning portrait of a noble Chinese Empress. The painting features a regal and dignified figure, adorned in traditional garments and intricate jewelry. The Empress sits upon a grand throne, surrounded by ornate decor and symbols of power. The overall mood is one of grandeur and sophistication, with a rich color palette and strong contrasts. The genre is portraiture, while the style is realistic with a touch of romanticism. The mediums used include oil paint on canvas, with the technique of layering to create depth and texture. The lighting is dramatic, with a strong focus on the subject’s face and garments. Suitable artists for this masterpiece include Wu Daozi, Gu Kaizhi, Shen Zhou, Wu Guanzhong, and Zhang Hong. Realism, portraiture, oil paint, layering, dramatic lighting, rich color palette. 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
18. A magnificent ink painting of a dragon and a phoenix. The painting features two iconic Chinese mythical creatures in a dynamic and dramatic pose. The dragon is depicted with powerful and fierce strokes, while the phoenix is rendered with delicate and intricate details. The overall mood is one of power and beauty, with a bold color palette and strong contrasts. The genre is traditional Chinese painting, while the style is a blend of realism and expressionism. The mediums used include ink and rice paper, with the technique of graded washes and line work to create texture and movement. The lighting is strong and focused, with emphasis on the creatures’ features and details. Suitable artists for this masterpiece include Wu Guanzhong, Zhang Daqian, Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, and Fu Baoshi. Realism, expressionism, traditional Chinese painting, ink drawing, graded washes, bold color palette. 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
19. A tranquil landscape painting of a serene pond surrounded by bamboo forests. The pond is filled with colorful koi fish, lily pads, and other aquatic plants. The forest is dense and lush with greenery and the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves can be heard. Painted in the traditional Chinese Gongbi style, with intricate brushwork and fine details; Gongbi, Realism; Chinese ink, watercolor; natural light, warm and bright; earthy tones with pops of green, blue, and red; by Xia Gui, Wang Wei, Ni Zan, Qi Baishi, and Wu Guanzhong. Minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
20. An exquisite portrait of a beautiful Chinese woman dressed in a vibrant red silk robe, adorned with delicate embroidery and intricate details. Her hair is styled in an elaborate bun with a floral hairpin, and her skin is porcelain white with delicate rosy cheeks. Painted in the traditional Chinese Xieyi style, with a loose and free brushstroke that captures the essence and spirit of the subject; Xieyi, Impressionism; Chinese ink, watercolor; soft and diffused natural light, warm and cozy; warm tones with pops of red and gold; by Gu Kaizhi, Wu Daozi, Xu Beihong, Qi Baishi, and Zhang Daqian. Minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
21. An awe-inspiring painting of a majestic dragon flying over a mountain range. The dragon is painted in vibrant colors of red, gold, and green, with scales that shimmer in the sunlight. The mountains are rugged and rocky, with a misty fog hovering over the peaks. Painted in the traditional Chinese Gongbi style, with intricate brushwork and fine details; Gongbi, Realism; Chinese ink, watercolor; warm and diffused natural light, with bright sunlight peeking through the clouds; cool tones with pops of red, gold, and green; by Zhao Mengfu, Shen Zhou, Dong Qichang, Qi Baishi, and Zhang Daqian. Minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
22. A serene and picturesque painting of a Chinese lotus pond at dusk, depicting the pink and white lotuses blooming on the calm waters. The artwork should reflect the beauty of the sunset’s golden light and the tranquility of the moment; Chinese painting; ink wash painting; wet-on-wet technique; natural lighting; golden sunset hues; by Zhang Daqian, Qi Baishi, Wu Guanzhong, Xu Beihong, and Huang Zhou; minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, splash art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
23. A stunning painting of the Great Wall of China, showcasing the ancient engineering marvel winding across the rugged mountain range in a picturesque and majestic way. The artwork should reflect the grandeur of the Great Wall and the natural landscape; landscape painting; Chinese brush painting; dry brush technique; natural lighting; earthy tones and hues; by Wu Guanzhong, Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, Huang Zhou, and Pan Tianshou; minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, sketch, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
24. A captivating painting of a Chinese dragon soaring through the sky, with its fiery breath and scaly skin gleaming in the sunlight. The artwork should reflect the mythical and awe-inspiring nature of the Chinese dragon; traditional Chinese painting; gongbi technique; strong contrasting lighting; vibrant and bold colors; by Zhang Daqian, Huang Zhou, Pan Tianshou, Xu Beihong, and Qi Baishi; minimalism, minimalist, ink drawing, sketch, splash art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
25. A serene and tranquil ink painting of a misty mountain range viewed from a distance. The peaks of the mountains are hidden in thick mist, and trees are interspersed amongst the mountains. The misty mountain range is a symbol of Taoism, representing the path towards enlightenment; landscape painting; ink wash painting; traditional brush painting; natural lighting; monochromatic black ink; by Wang Hui, Wu Guanzhong, Qi Baishi, Li Keran, and Huang Binhong; minimalist, minimalist, ink drawing, sketch, splash art, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
26. An ethereal and otherworldly ink painting of a mythical creature, the Fenghuang, also known as the Chinese Phoenix. It is depicted with multicolored feathers, and it perches on a gnarled tree branch surrounded by clouds. The Fenghuang represents auspiciousness and good fortune; mythical creature painting; traditional ink painting; layered painting technique; dramatic lighting; multicolored inks; by Xu Wei, Qiu Ying, Chen Hongshou, Dong Qichang, and Shen Zhou; traditional, vivid, bold, freehand, contemporary, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
27. A breathtakingly beautiful ink painting of a peony, known as the “king of flowers” in Chinese culture, in full bloom. The peony is depicted in shades of pink, with intricate details on the petals and leaves. The peony represents prosperity, wealth, and honor; floral painting; ink wash painting; meticulous brushwork; diffused lighting; shades of pink; by Zheng Xie, Yun Shouping, Wang Yuanqi, Dai Xi, and Yun Bing; realistic, detailed, lifelike, elegant, graceful, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
28. A vibrant traditional Chinese painting of a majestic dragon flying over a serene landscape. The dragon, a symbol of power and strength, soars above lush green trees, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers, with the golden sun setting in the distance. Using the mediums of ink and watercolor, this piece captures the intricate details of the dragon’s scales and wings, as well as the natural beauty of the landscape. The art styles employed include both traditional Chinese brush painting and contemporary impressionism, with a focus on realistic renderings. Lighting is utilized to highlight the dragon’s form and the natural light of the setting sun. The five most suitable artists for this project are Deng Xiaoming, Zhang Daqian, Wu Guanzhong, Qi Baishi, and Xu Beihong. Minimalism, watercolor, brush painting, impressionism, ink drawing, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
29. A serene Chinese landscape painting of a tranquil garden filled with blooming flowers and fluttering butterflies. This painting incorporates a blend of traditional Chinese watercolor and Western impressionism styles to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The focal point of the painting is a quaint wooden bridge over a small pond, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery. The lighting in the painting highlights the natural light of the sun, with shadows and highlights accentuating the garden’s contours. The five most suitable artists for this project are Zhang Daqian, Wu Guanzhong, Qi Baishi, Xu Beihong, and Chen Yifei. Traditional Chinese painting, watercolor, impressionism, realism, light and shadow techniques, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5
30. A dramatic Chinese painting of a fierce warrior on horseback charging into battle. The warrior is clad in traditional armor, with a sword held high above his head, ready to strike. The setting is a vast battlefield, with smoke and flames billowing up from the ground. This painting utilizes a combination of traditional Chinese brush painting and Western oil painting techniques to capture the motion and drama of the scene. The lighting is dark and dramatic, with the bright colors of the warrior’s armor and horse contrasting against the dark background. The five most suitable artists for this project are Qi Baishi, Zhang Daqian, Wu Guanzhong, Xu Beihong, and Liu Haisu. Brush painting, oil painting, realism, motion and action techniques, dark and dramatic lighting, 8k resolution CGSociety trending on Artstation Unreal engine 5