Based on the traditional Chinese legend 'Butterfly Lovers', this series of paintings echo ancient Chinese iconography and traditional Chinese illustration. The story is the Chinese equivalent to the western story of Romeo and Juliet.

The Butterfly Lovers series reflects the artist's dual cultural and artistic background. 'The subject matter, brush strokes and overall feel of the paintings have a very strong influence from Chinese woodblock prints, which is complemented by the minimal colours and composition that follow a rather Western structure,' Chen said. 

Zhong arrived in Australia at the age of 19 in 1989. Zhong’s early paintings ‘Stupid Laughing Series’ 1996 conveyed the exploration of his cultural heritage. Since these works, Zhong has continued to explore issues of cultural identity, transcultural identity, belonging and place. Since completing a Masters of Fine Arts from the Chelsea School of Art, London in 1998, Zhong has further explored these cultural issues.