Shenzhen Metro Qianhai International Hub Center Exhibition A

In the bustling subway hub of Qianhaiwan Station, located in Shenzhen’s burgeoning new development zone, the curatorial team from Tomaster—a leading Chinese public art platform—commissioned by Shenzhen Metro Property Group, unveiled the masterpiece Dragon Horse Pine Wind by renowned Chinese sculptor Shi Jinsong, whose works are deeply rooted in cultural tradition. The artwork ingeniously integrates three iconic elements of Chinese heritage: the dragon, the horse, and the pine tree. The galloping horse embodies the dynamic energy of the subway system, while the dragon’s soaring form symbolizes Shenzhen’s pioneering role in China’s reform and opening-up era. The pine tree, evoking both resilience and a pun on “relaxation” (放松, fang song in Chinese), reflects citizens’ enjoyment of urban life.

When this exquisite piece was installed in the metro plaza, visitors standing before it could gaze upon the sleek, minimalist skyscrapers designed by German architectural firm GMP, while also immersing themselves in a serene Eastern-inspired landscape. Mist sprays, dewdrop-kissed pine needles, a spirited steed in motion, and the dragon’s majestic aura coalesce, weaving an ethereal, poetic ambiance of Eastern romance. Here, Eastern and Western cultures converge, sparking a vibrant urban aesthetic that resonates with the pulsating energy of subterranean transit, reinterpreting the timeless Chinese philosophy of “Longma Spirit” (dragon-horse vigor).

Against the backdrop of China’s metro system handling 3.8 billion annual passenger trips—the highest globally—this work demonstrates how public transport art can profoundly dissolve urban alienation, fostering joyful emotional connections. Post-installation surveys revealed that 72% of passengers actively engaged with the artwork, pausing to appreciate its beauty and share its cultural resonance. Such a visionary creation deserves international acclaim and broader dissemination across the art and urban planning sectors.