A visitor looks at a painting of Qian Xuesen, a famous Chinese scientist and the founder of China’s aerospace engineering, at the exhibition kicked off on Thursday to mark the 107 anniversary of his birth.

A calligraphy and painting exhibition kicked off at Shanghai Library on Thursday to jointly mark the 107th anniversary of the birth of famous Chinese scientist Qian Xuesen, the founder of China’s aerospace engineering, and the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up policy.

The exhibition features more than 70 pieces of calligraphy and paintings produced by people from all works of life to honor Qian for his great achievements and contributions to the country.

The exhibition was organized by the Shanghai Library and the Qian Xuesen Library, as well as the Museum at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

The event is also a celebration of the seventh anniversary of the construction of the Qian Xuesen Library and Museum, a national-level scientific memorial approved by the central government.

Next year is the 10th anniversary of Qian’s death and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Qian’s wife Jiang Ying, who was a vocal music educator. The library and museum, named after Qian, will organize a series of activities, including a forum about his return from America and a musical called “Look Up to the Sky."

Dong Jun / SHINE

A visitor looks at a painting of Qian Xuesen.

Dong Jun / SHINE

A visitor takes a photo in front of a painting of Qian Xuesen.

Dong Jun / SHINE

A visitor looks at a piece of calligraphy honoringQian Xuesen.