Cui said, "The more I learn in the US, the more fond I am of my own culture." He feels it is his responsibility to promote Chinese culture, especially the traditional arts of calligraphy and ancient painting.
"Now I am in a position to do something for my culture and my motherland. And this has brought me back to Beijing," Cui told China.org.cn
In his opinion, the essence of Chinese culture and ancient painting reflects a spirit of harmony and union between nature and human beings. Classical Chinese paintings are more difficult to interpret than contemporary western ones, but this is definitely where long-term investment value lies.
He criticizes the current culture market in China, which is too much influenced by western styles. "Our problem is that we haven't cherished and nurtured our own culture enough. Countries like Japan and Korea protect their own cultural treasures much better than we do. We need to do more, and we need to do it now," Cui said. His suggestion is that art collections in China should focus on domestic calligraphy, painting and sculpture.
In October 2007, he opened his private art museum in Beijing, which displays both his own work and masterpieces by many other noted artists.
He believes that charity organizations in China need more resources and support from both businesses and privileged individuals. He plans to initiate a special fund for the protection of ancient Chinese painting and hopes to encourage more people to join him.
"My donation of US$7.14 million is just a beginning. I expect more people to join me. Tall oaks from little acorns grow," he said.
