A waterfall, plummeting with unwavering force and grace from the distant horizon, seamlessly integrates into the undulating stream below. The auditory illusion of the water's splashes seems to reverberate beyond the canvas. With judiciously portrayed white space in the lower right corner, the artist brought forth a crystalline stream.

At the bottom of the painting, a lone angler sits amid a cluster of reed thickets, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the scene— the subtle ballet of mist, the tranquil murmurs of waves lapping against the shore, and the mellow expanse of the surrounding panorama. Within this juxtaposition of movement and stillness lies perpetual harmony and dynamic equilibrium.

Navigating the serene terrains of Hou Xiantang's paintings, the audience finds itself transported beyond the mundane. Hou employs a distinct M-shaped brush stroke that lends an intriguing blend of vitality and enigma to the mountainous landscapes he presents as his ultimate "hidden paradise." This technique affords remarkable versatility, layering strokes to evoke towering, rugged mountains or employing a softer touch to suggest lush, dense forests.

Ink-wash painting, unlike oil, lacks the benefit of coverage and opacity. One single misplaced stroke has the power to disrupt the entire artistic pursuit. There is no such thing as white ink; all white spaces are deliberate omissions on the paper. This juxtaposition of reserved white spaces—depicting clouds, mist, ripples, and streams—demands a high level of proficiency with the brush and a heightened awareness of aesthetics.

- Signature: Hand-signed + personal seal on the left side