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Shi Zhenran, native of Xinghua, Jiangsu, was surnamed Ding in the secular world. He modestly called himself "common Ding", but his real name was as clear as a spring - Zhenran, also known as Lianxi, also known as Lianxi, and Yehang, and he also called himself "Huangshan Qiaozi", looking for the spirit of art in the mountains and rivers. He is a clear stream in the calligraphy and painting world, especially good at landscapes, figures, immortals and Buddhas. Although flowers, birds, insects, fish, flowers and plants are just a hobby, he also paints beautifully, especially famous for ink orchids and bamboos, and his seal carving skills are also unique. Classics such as "Dictionary of Chinese Artists' Names" and "Yangzhou Painting Garden Records" all remember his name, continuing the glory of Xinghua's calligraphy and painting since Zheng Banqiao and Li Shan.

Unfortunately, as time went by, only a few of his works survived, and his deeds were as hazy as the morning mist, and little was known about him. It was not until the 1983 edition of the "Plum, Orchid, Bamboo and Chrysanthemum Painting Album" published by the Xiling Seal Society that four of his masterpieces reappeared like lost pearls, allowing the world to get a glimpse of his art.
In the 24th year of Emperor Daoguang's reign, i.e. 1844, Shi Zhenran and Huizhou talent Wang Yangzhan went to Yangzhou together to show their talents. When Wu Youlian first saw his huge figures, immortals and Buddhas, he did not need to make a draft, he just wrote them down, steady and agile, and could not help but marvel at his unique skills. Zhenran's name became famous in the painting world. He was not only good at painting birds, fish, flowers, and animals, but also his landscapes were full of Huayan's charm, especially his lotus paintings, which were pure and unworldly, as if they could cleanse the heart. Even though he was repeatedly excluded in the Yangzhou painting world, he still held on to the boat of art with an unyielding attitude and never deviated.

Since ancient times, there have been many talented people among monks and Taoists, and Shi Zhenran (Lianxi) is no exception. In his early years, he studied under Lan Ying, and later learned from the strengths of various artists from the Song and Yuan dynasties. He also absorbed the essence of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou, Shitao, and Bada Shanren, and finally formed his own style by fusing the past with the present. He was originally a barber in the market. Although he was in a humble position, he had lofty ambitions. In his spare time, he never stopped painting. The objects he painted were all lifelike and exquisite. Fortunately, Zhang Bailu, the inspector of Anfeng, Xinghua, appreciated him and often invited him to appreciate calligraphy and painting after cutting hair. Lianxi also humbly asked for advice, and his painting skills improved day by day.

Zhang Bailu saw that Lianxi had extraordinary painting skills, but most people did not know him. He could not make a living by cutting hair, so he advised him to become a monk and become famous for his calligraphy and painting. Lianxi followed his instructions and resolutely shaved his head to become a monk, taking the Buddhist name "Shi Zhenran". Since then, there has been one more painter monk in Buddhism and one more shining star in the painting world. In addition to chanting scriptures, he devoted himself to painting, and his skills became more and more perfect, and he eventually became a master.

In his middle age, Shi Zhenran traveled to Huangshan, Huashan and other places, visited famous sites of the Song and Yuan dynasties, collected folk customs, and his painting skills reached a higher level. He compared himself to "Huangshan Woodcutter", implying that he was like a woodcutter looking for artistic firewood in the mountains and rivers, burning the flame of life. His works are fresh and elegant, unconventional, just as "mountains come alive with paintings, clouds remain for poems", giving life and emotion to all things, making people forget the world and feel relaxed and happy.

Although Shi Zhenran was full of talent, he was also forced to make a living. He often painted orchids and bamboos at the invitation of others. His paintings were graceful and natural, and his style was unique. Although his paintings were evaluated differently by people at that time, his artistic achievements were recognized by discerning eyes and highly respected. In his later years, he lived in Yisuan Temple in Shanghai, and later returned to Yangzhou to make a living by selling paintings until he passed away at the age of 69. The painting world lost a great master.
To commemorate this once famous old monk painter, in 1993, Yangzhou Daming Temple built a tomb tower of Monk Lianxi on the north side of Nanmu Hall, so that people in later generations can pay tribute to him and feel the artistic charm that transcends time and space.

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