“Legendary mountaineer” Li Xiaoshi tragically lost his life in May while attempting to climb Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest peak. Yesterday, the county government held the “Gentle Breeze, Lingering Moon – Shi in Our Hearts” memorial exhibition at Meiling Art Museum. Attendees, including Li Xiaoshi’s widow Lin Qingqing, eldest son Li Yao, and other family members, gathered around the installation artwork “The Moment We Were Among the Clouds” within the exhibition space, expressing their condolences and blessings for the legendary figure through candlelight.
The memorial exhibition showcasing Li Xiaoshi’s calligraphy, paintings, and mountain photography will run from today until September 15. At the opening ceremony yesterday, Deputy Magistrate Lin Meizhu and Puzi City Mayor Wang Rujing presented honors — the Certificate of Honorary County Resident and the Certificate of Honorary City Resident — to recognize Li Xiaoshi’s contributions to art and culture as well as his achievements in the mountaineering community.
Lin Qingqing expressed gratitude to family, friends, and the county government for organizing the memorial exhibition, and spoke emotionally about her husband’s passion for mountaineering and his many stories. Li Yao performed an original guitar song he wrote, titled “Hearing You’ve Gone Far,” as a tribute to his father.
Facing his first Father’s Day without his closest family member, Li Yao spoke candidly, saying that although his father lies on Lhotse Peak and may appear carefree on the surface, “he might also feel very lonely. I really want to go up there to be with him, but I can never make it.” His heartfelt words revealed his deep longing and remembrance for Li Xiaoshi, touching everyone present.
Outside the art museum, there is also the installation artwork “The Moment We Were Among the Clouds,” created by renowned installation artist Wang Wenzhi using thousands of bamboo poles. The county government noted that this 6-meter-high, 9-meter-long structure resembles a grand mountain, allowing visitors to experience the majesty of the high peaks and the natural beauty that Li Xiaoshi felt during his climbs. Gazing at Wang Wenzhi’s work, Lin Qingqing remarked emotionally that her late husband had always hoped to hold a joint exhibition with his good friend Wang Wenzhi — a wish now finally fulfilled.