Chinese painting developed and classified by theme into three genres: birds-and-flowers, landscapes and portraits.

The earliest genre of the birds-and-flowers knew as decorative patterns engraved on pottery and bronze ware by early artists. It reached its peak during the Song Dynasty, the subject include flowers, bamboo, birds, insects and stones.

The portraits included images of emperors, court ladies, and common people in their works and come to its heyday during the Tang Dynasty. The master of painting, Wu Daozi created many Buddhist murals and other landscape paintings which famous by variety and vigor.

Landscape painting separated from the portraits genre in Northern and Southern Dynasties. This style embodied people's love for nature. They painted by ink and brush. The subjects include the weather, the time of day and the season. The earliest known landscape painting was the Spring Outing by Zhan ziqian of the Sui Dynasty. It shows an enchanting spring scene with people enjoying popular activities.