Calligraphy by Tang Zhongwen of the verse, Memories of South China, by Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Soldier-turned-artist promotes peace through traditional handwriting, Zhang Zhao reports.

With many titles and honors, Tang Zhongwen is known as a leading calligrapher in China, but 40 years ago his handwriting was the poorest among all those in his army unit.

Tang was born in 1960 in Chongqing. His parents couldn't read or write so they often had to ask their neighbors for help.

"I decided to learn how to write with a brush so I could write the addresses myself when posting parcels," Tang said.

He joined the army in December 1978 and went to the frontline as a telegraph operator when the nation's counterattack against Vietnam broke out the following February.