Iron, Blood and Loyal Heart. [Photo provided to China Daily]

When the war ended, Tang began to practice calligraphy every day at his commanding officer's suggestion.

"At first I just wanted to improve my handwriting, but later I got interested in it," he said.

Tang left the army in 1984, but never stopped practicing calligraphy. He served as a cargo ship sailor for 19 years, and decided to resign from his job to be a professional calligrapher.

The decision aroused controversy among his friends and relatives. Some suggested he should stay in his job for the stable income, but he stuck to his plan.

"For a while I was in a dilemma," he said. "I did not know how my life would be if I gave up my job, but I realized that calligraphy would be nothing but a part-time hobby if I didn't quit my job."