Abstract: As an immortal classic in the history of Chinese painting, FAN Kuan's work The Painting of Traveling in Streams and Mountains in the Northern Song Dynasty has received too much discussion and research, and its creative theme has also received much attention. A thorough comparative study is conducted between this work and GUAN Tong's work The Painting of Mountains and Streams Waiting for Crossing in the Five Dynasties, and it is found that the former is highly likely borrowed and changed from the latter. From the perspective of composition arrangement, image representation, brush and ink treatment, and artistic conception creation, this paper explains why the former is more classic. At the same time, it explores and discusses the key factors of reference and reconstruction from the aspects of traditional foundation, natural elements, heart source conditions, and the flavor of the times, with a view to enlightening the practice and creation of current Chinese painting.