This point of view is not especially Chinese. It's very common for all cultures.

Chinese, Indian and European art traditions used to flavor integration. You learn to copy the masters. After you master the earlier techniques you are ready to contribute something new to the whole.

Originality for the sake of originality is very modern concept. Modern art takes this into extreme. Artists are trashing around desperately and are doing random things to be original. We end up with works that generate momentary 'heh' moments when the artist is especially clever.