The Chinese National Academy of Arts bestowed the first China Arts Awards on 23 Chinese creative individuals who have made big splashes in their fields.

The winners range in age and art form from 29-year-old pianist Lang Lang to 101-year-old film director Tang Xiaodan.

Tang was among 11 elderly artists, including painter and calligrapher Fan Zeng, vocalist Wang Kun and dancer Jia Zuoguang, to win a lifetime achievement award and 1 million yuan ($158,105) in prize money.

Nine young and middle-aged artists, including kungfu movie star Jackie Chan, actor Pu Cunxin and vocalist Peng Liyuan, received the arts awards and 1 million yuan apiece.

Lang, and dancer Huang Doudou and thangka (Tibetan Buddhist scroll paintings) artist Niangben, took the youth awards and 600,000 yuan. 

"This is the highest honor I have received, because the award means recognition from my country," Lang says.