Pine, bamboo, and plum are known as the "three friends of winter" due to their tenacious vitality. Bamboo, plum, orchid and chrysanthemum are named as the "four gentlemen". The natural world has been beloved by the Chinese since ancient times, because it is endowed with noble qualities respected by the ancients. 

Ancient Chinese philosophy emphasizes the unity of nature and man. Literature uses materials to express aspirations. Pre-Qin Confucians admire the righteousness, after the Wei and Jin Dynasties. Therefore, the Chinese’s appreciation of "three friends of winter" and "four gentlemen" is not based on their appearances but their integrity. The evergreen pine does not wither in the winter. The bamboo is not afraid of the cold. The plum does not intend to fight for the spring. Such steady and strong-willed characters that these "three friends of winter" possess are widely praised. From ancient times to the present, pine, bamboo, and plum have been important themes in literature, painting, arts and crafts. They have also become auspicious patterns that represent good luck and longevity. 

This exhibition has four chapters: "whispers of the pine", "shadow of the bamboo", "first bloom of the plum", "good news from the rat". It displays more than 30 pieces of works with the subject of pine, bamboo, plum and the year of rat. 

After a thousand year, "three friends of the winter" still survive. During this winter, Long Museum (West Bund) invites you to "listen" to the symphony of pine, bamboo and plum with your eyes and wishes you a happy new year.