Mr Song has practised calligraphy since he was a child and is considered a master of his art.
His work featured on a stamp for the Olympic Games last year and his pieces were often given to visiting dignitaries in China.
While on holiday with his daughter, Hong Song, the pair gave a passionate but relaxed demonstration to a group of about 30 people on the history, styles and elements of his art as part of the museum's "Emperor's Dragons" exhibition, which ended yesterday.
It was his first demonstration to an English-speaking audience.
Although he only speaks Mandarin, he could feel energy from the group and it was exciting to feel their interest, he said.
During the much anticipated practical portion of the demonstration, the 77-year-old thrilled the crowd with his precise, agile brush strokes and humorous nature.
Mr Song said the creativity needed for Chinese calligraphy helped him stay healthy and alert.
He will give a public lecture on calligraphy at the Otago Polytechnic School of Art from 12.10pm on Wednesday.
About 86,000 people had visited the exhibition, subtitled "Precious Collections from the Shanghai Museum", more than double the number initially expected.
Otago Museum director of exhibitions, development and planning Clare Wilson said the exhibition was one of its most popular overseas cultural shows.
Ms Wilson and a group of Chinese couriers would accompany the exhibition items on their return journey to Shanghai.
Otago Museum officials will this month hold discussions with senior Shanghai Museum administrators about plans to stage a large exhibition of Otago Maori artefacts at the Shanghai facility in 2011.
