An ancient tree stands tall amidst a wintry forest; its aged, vigorous branches and trunk cast overlapping shadows, evoking an atmosphere of solemnity and tranquillity. The ink is deep and rich; the foliage is dense yet retains a sense of openness, creating a profound sense of space within the cold forest through the use of negative space. The ‘cold forest’ often symbolises resilience in the face of adversity and a steadfast commitment to one’s true nature. The ancient tree, having withstood the trials of wind and frost, stands firm, symbolising not only the tenacity of life but also embodying the spiritual character of the literati in the face of nature and the passage of time.

The area shown in this satellite screenshot from Google Maps is located in the north-east of the Altai Republic, Russian Federation, at approximately 51.807175° N, 89.937269° E, near the mountainous region where the borders of the Altai Republic, the Republic of Tuva and the Republic of Khakassia meet. The image depicts a natural landscape interwoven with high mountain ridges, coniferous forests, river valleys and alpine meadows. This area lies at the transition zone between the Altai Mountains and the Western Sayan Mountains, and is also an important ecological reserve in Southern Siberia.

Since ancient times, the Altai Mountains have been a key centre of mountain civilisation on the Eurasian continent and form an integral part of the ‘Altai Gold Mountains’ World Natural Heritage Site. Not only does this region preserve primeval forests and habitats for rare species such as snow leopards and argali sheep, but it has also given rise to a rich tapestry of historical and cultural heritage, including the Pazyryk culture, Turkic nomadic traditions and the shamanic beliefs of the Altai people. This has made these high-altitude, cold mountainous lands a vital region where natural ecosystems, nomadic civilisations and spiritual beliefs have long converged.