"Be water, my friend" is one of martial arts legend Bruce Lee's most famous quotes. It is also the theme of a new Beijing exhibition about the immortal film and kung fu star. Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee, was there on the opening day.

Bruce Lee exhibition opens in Beijing

The exhibition features dozens of Bruce Lee-related artifacts, including his black martial arts coat, a mask he used in the TV series "The Green Hornet," as well as the breakdown for the movie "The Game of Death," which Lee wrote. All of the exhibits are on loan from the Bruce Lee Foundation in the U.S.

Shannon Lee is the president of the foundation, and she wants to convey the essential philosophical concept that describes her father's life-force.

"He said ‘Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water.' The idea is that, when applying to martial arts, to flow with your opponent. He not only applied it to martial arts but to life as well," Shannon Lee said.

Turning martial arts into a global phenomenon, Bruce Lee remains a world icon even today, four decades after his death. And the foundation, with events around the world, continues to infuse later generations with his power.

"We really want to use my father's message and philosophy to inspire people to be the best version of themselves. He didn't want people to copy others; he wanted people to look inside themselves and understand who they are. Through the foundation, we really want to help people to achieve their goals and dreams," Shannon Lee said.

Shannon Lee is second child of Bruce Lee and his wife Linda Emery. She was only four years old when her father died suddenly in 1973, but she is convinced he would have made a great father if given the opportunity.

"The very strong memory about my dad is a sense of him, his energy. He was so playful, energetic, and loving. He really loved his kids. When he was with you, he was very present, very connected to you. That feeling made you feel loved, safe, like you were very special," she said.

She adds that, as her father left such a vast legacy, she never stops connecting to him in one way or another.

"He wrote a lot. We have pages and pages of his writing. Also, I studied martial arts with his student. It helps me to continue to know him, even if he isn't here. It's the most beautiful gift anyone can have," she said.

Shannon also revealed that two new biopic films about her father are now in production. The exhibition runs until Sunday at Beijing SKP.