Calligrapher Shen Zhaomin writes the four characters "大美湖州" at the torch relay starting ceremony in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on Sept 9. [Photo/hz66.com]

Huzhou calligrapher Shen Zhaomin wowed audiences on Sept 9 as he displayed his impressive skills at the torch relay opening ceremony for the 19th Asian Games held in Huzhou, a co-host city of the Games.

Carrying a giant brush weighing 35 kilograms, Shen elegantly wrote the four characters "大美湖州" (Beautiful Huzhou), each measuring 25 square meters. Together, they formed a perfect circle of 100 sq m on the main stage.

The display mesmerized both the audience present at the event and those watching online, showcasing the unique charm of Huzhou calligraphy and the beauty of China.

Despite being 75 years old, Shen Zhaomin revealed that he has turned down numerous commercial opportunities to write large characters in recent years due to his age. However, when he received the invitation for the torch relay starting ceremony in Huzhou, he eagerly accepted.

Interestingly, this was not Shen's first involvement with the Asian Games. During the closing ceremony of the 15th Asian Games in Doha in 2006, he represented the country by writing "和谐亚洲" (Harmonious Asia) using a giant brush.

"I became involved with the Asian Games at the 15th Asian Games in Doha. I also witnessed the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou. Now, with the 19th Asian Games happening in my hometown, I am truly thrilled. As someone who has experienced three Asian Games, I hope for the Hangzhou Asian Games to be a resounding success," exclaimed Shen with excitement.