Zhou Shilin is a highly collected artist in China across two different art disciplines: ink and oil paintings. Zhou's ink paintings are recognized for their contemporary "splash" ink techniques, while his oil paintings are known for their thick, sculpture-like brush strokes and vibrant, life-like colors. Currently based in Tianjin, Zhou is a full tenured professor at Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, one of the most prestigious art academies in China. Also an author, Zhou has published eleven books on the subjects of Chinese ink and oil paintings.

Zhou’s artworks are in the collections of many major institutes, such as National Art Museum in Beijing, The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Jiangsu Province Academy of Chinese Painting in Nanjing, Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, and Tianjin Art Museum. Active in the international art scene, Zhou has lectured and exhibited in Belgium, South Korea, Germany, Russia, the United States, and Vietnam.