During the Yan’an Forum on Literature and Art, Li Qun created the “Portrait of Comrade Mao Zedong” with sincerity. Impressed by its quality, teachers suggested presenting it to Mao. Li Qun handed it to Mao’s secretary with respect during a visit to Yangjialing. Weeks later, Mao inquired about the portrait during a play, but Li Qun was absent. The original painting was later brightened after the forum.

Childhood 1912-1930
A village childhood Li Qun’s roots trace back to a quaint mountain village, an enclave characterised by a mere six courtyards and ten households in its nascent years. This hamlet, situated in Lingshi County, Shanxi Province, earned its identity as Hao Jia Zhang. Positioned to the east of Fenhe River,































