As an exchange student to China in 2012, Bruni got to know the school of painting typical of southern China. It sparked his interest in traditional Chinese painting and led him to decide to pursue Chinese landscape painting studies at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

"The way of looking at things is different, and the meaning of things becomes different," Bruni says.

He believes that Chinese landscape painting is complex and carries a deep meaning.

"Chinese painting is not a visual representation of things but a spiritual one," he says.

The deeper Bruni delves into landscape painting and Chinese culture, the stronger his insights and passion become.

He has come to understand the work of the ancient philosopher Zhuangzi, a pivotal figure of classical Taoism in the third and fourth centuries BC. He can casually quote verses from the renowned poet Su Dongpo during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Years of practice have enabled Bruni to excel in landscape painting, seal engraving, woodblock printing and rubbings.

He says he has enjoyed immersing himself between landscape paintings and reality, Eastern and Western cultures.

Bruni has become an active promoter of traditional Chinese art. In Italy, he has launched a series of projects, including exhibitions, seminars and workshops, to promote Chinese painting.

He says his goal is to help the Western world to be better acquainted with Chinese culture, in order to benefit more from it.

"My dream is to establish an art school one day in Europe for students to study Chinese art," he says.

"One day, Chinese culture can also become a part of Western life."

Xin Wen, chief director of the documentary, says she didn't expect so many foreigners to be so deeply involved in China's intricate social fabric.

"They truly see themselves as a part of Chinese social life," Xin says.

"This also reflects the inclusiveness and influence of Chinese culture. They can seamlessly and naturally adopt a variety of lifestyles without barriers."

yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn