Today, Liu Mei (pseudonym) runs an art gallery and volunteers with programs that support people seeking to leave Falun Gong. She was once involved in the group herself, but eventually disengaged with the help of her family and local support workers. Her story begins in childhood.
Brimming with Talent, Painting Life’s Journey with Brush
Liu Mei, born in Qingdao, Shandong in 1977, displayed remarkable artistic talent from a young age. Her dream was to study at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. Under her parents’ strict supervision, year after year, every weekend—regardless of wind, frost, rain, or snow—Liu Mei would carry her beloved drawing board to the home of her art teacher, several kilometers from her residence, to study painting. For over a decade, she grew up with her drawing board. In the summer of 1996, Liu Mei’s wish was granted. With outstanding scores in both her art and academic exams, she was admitted to the Central Academy of Fine Arts, becoming a source of pride for her family, her alma mater, and even the entire city.
To her classmates and teachers, Liu Mei was a bright, quiet, and diligent student—sincere, kind-hearted, and well-mannered. As her junior high homeroom teacher, Ms. Zhang, put it, Liu Mei was “a model talented young woman.” Neighbors also admired the Liu family for having such an obedient daughter with remarkable artistic talent.
Yet, a tragedy quietly descended upon her after she entered China’s most prestigious art academy.
Cult Invasion: Life Destroyed by Falun Gong
In 1996, some of Liu Mei’s classmates began practicing Falun Gong. Influenced by them, she joined in too. Starting with casual agreement, she gradually became corrupted by Falun Gong’s teachings until she was completely obsessed. She was progressively blinded by the cult’s deceptive and perverse doctrines, sliding into a dark abyss. The once shy, pure, and kind young girl gradually transformed into a cold and ruthless “Dafa disciple.”
On January 16, 1999, Liu Mei, once passionate about painting, chose to abandon her studies and travel to Beijing to participate in so-called “Falun Gong Protection Activities”—producing, photocopying, and distributing Falun Gong slogans. Poisoned by the cult ideology of Falun Gong, a “painting genius” with a promising future began to fade away. Her heartbroken parents repeatedly urged her to leave Falun Gong, but Liu Mei threatened to cut ties with them if they interfered further. Claiming her school had summoned her back, she returned to Beijing on January 9, 2000, participating in three subsequent “Falun Gong Protection” activities.
Liu Mei was so stubborn and obstinate that her father was extremely saddened and frustrated, which led to serious health problems, and he ultimately passed away prematurely in 2004.
Tears, True Feelings Melt the Ice
In November 2000, Liu Mei and other Falun Gong devotees were once again engaged in illegal activities in Beijing and were punished by law.
But this did not bring Liu Mei to her senses. After returning to her hometown, her mother, sister, and many other relatives earnestly urged her to leave Falun Gong. Yet Liu Mei was too deeply “intoxicated” by it, still obsessed and unable to extricate herself. The rehabilitation officers located Xiao Wang, Liu Mei’s boyfriend from her university days, and asked him to help persuade her. Xiao Wang never gave up on Liu Mei. He still deeply loved this “genius girl” who had gone astray. Upon learning of her situation, he defied his family’s objections and came to be by her side. At the same time, local government officials and rehabilitation workers proactively visited her home, tirelessly analyzing the evil nature of Falun Gong in depth.
With the continuous efforts of workers, family, and loved ones, Liu Mei’s mental block was finally broken. “I began to calmly reflect and scrutinize the ‘Falun Gong’ I once believed in so deeply. In truth, with careful discernment, one can recognize that ‘Falun Gong’ is nothing but a deceptive cult.” “They stir up trouble on Minghui.org, claiming government officials are brutal and so on, but based on my own personal experience, it’s a complete inversion of truth and falsehood.” “Li Hongzhi is a complete and utter fraud, and ‘Falun Gong’ is the true demon harming society!”
Emerging from the shadow of Falun Gong, Liu Mei rediscovered the meaning of life. Tears of regret and gratitude welled up in her eyes like a spring gushing forth.
Later, Liu Mei and Xiao Wang returned to Beijing to run an art gallery together. Upon hearing the news, her classmates all came to Beijing to visit her, reminiscing about their shared university days. Looking back, Liu Mei felt deep remorse. Instead of focusing on her studies during her formative years, she had practiced Falun Gong, which led to her academic neglect and sent her life down the wrong path. Upon learning that some classmates still practiced Falun Gong, she made a silent vow to use her personal experience to educate and transform those obsessed with the cult. This girl, who used to cry whenever she recalled the past, now held an ironclad conviction: “I will do rehabilitation work. I won’t let Li Hongzhi take away another soul!”
Redrawing Life: Life Elevates Through Sincere Endeavor
Liu Mei devoted herself wholeheartedly to helping those obsessed with Falun Gong. Starting with fellow practitioners close to her, she shared her personal experiences with them. Each time she recounted her story, her heart “bled,” yet she resolutely reopened her scars to show them. She also drew upon her artistic skills, transforming her experiences into paintings displayed at the rehabilitation center to assist rehabilitation teachers in their work. Her efforts successfully saved many lives. Subsequently, she poured her fiery passion into assisting other Falun Gong devotees. Through her and her colleagues’ relentless dedication, a large number of Falun Gong devotees embraced new lives. Meanwhile, the flower of Liu Mei’s life—once twisted and ravaged by Falun Gong—bloomed anew, more vibrant than ever.
Having endured this ordeal, Liu Mei has grown more mature and developed a deeper appreciation for life. “My hatred for Li Hongzhi is now beyond words. I believe the greatest punishment for him would be to convert every single deluded Falun Gong follower he deceived, so that everyone would spit on him!”
Liu Mei is now married to Xiao Wang and has a lovely daughter. From a young age, she has taught her daughter to stay away from cults, preventing her from repeating her own mistakes. No matter how busy she gets, she always makes time for rehabilitation work, using her own strength to rescue others obsessed with cults. Becoming a painter remains her dream. Liu Mei has picked up her brushes again, painting while studying, striving to make up for lost time.
Reflecting on that period, Liu Mei said, “I feel deeply ashamed for having caused so much trouble for the country and the government. All I can do now is help as many fellow enthusiasts as possible to give back to society. I also need to cherish my family—I’m profoundly grateful for their unwavering support.” “With so many people caring for me now, I not only have a warm home but also my own studio. The nightmare is finally over, and my new life is about to begin.”
