He often mentions reading Zuiwengting Ji ("old drunkard pavilion"), an essay of the 11th-century author Ouyang Xiu, and Taohuayuan Ji ("the peach blossom spring"), a work of prose by Tao Yuanming, a poet who lived in the fourth and fifth centuries. Both writings express the pleasures of being embraced by nature and living a reclusive life, and have influenced Shen Beixin's work in a long-standing, delicate way.

Du Pengfei, executive director of Tsinghua University Art Museum, says the philosophical takes in Chinese cultural traditions such as a carefree lifestyle, wandering in the mountains and near the waters, with no concern for worldly affairs, are embodied in Shen Beixin's work and the key to understanding his art.