In July 2024, the "Perceiving China: Art Education Journey West" social practice group from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) embarked on a social practice activity in Gansu. Organized jointly by the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation and the university’s Youth League Committee, this social practice group was comprised of students from various departments and international students. They left their footprints of "Perceiving China" in cities like Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang. Along the way, they deepened their understanding of the geographical environment, history, and cultural heritage of China's northwestern region, bridging the "East and West" and engaging in cultural exchanges.

In Lanzhou, a key city on the Silk Road Economic Belt, the group visited sites along the Yellow River, including the Gansu Provincial Museum, Liujiaxia Reservoir, and the Bingling Temple Grottoes. While admiring the beauty of the Yellow River, they also traced the wisdom of history and witnessed the cultural and natural treasures of the Chinese nation. The students carefully noted every detail of the highly valuable artworks they saw, such as the "Galloping Bronze Horse," "Painted Wooden Bo Play Figurines," and the Bingling Temple Grottoes. They reflected on how these works relate to their own artistic creations, realizing the importance of continuous exploration and innovation based on a deep understanding of traditional culture. This marked the beginning of their "westward journey" to explore the socio-economic and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.

At the Leitai Han Tomb site, the students gained insight into the excavation process of the tomb and marveled at the significant role that cultural and artistic studies play in understanding society and connecting with ancient historical contexts. Behind every relic and site lies the wisdom and hard work of countless cultural workers, and the students felt a strong sense of responsibility in preserving and passing down cultural heritage.

In Zhangye's Giant Buddha Temple, the students closely observed the sculptures and murals. Chinese students took the opportunity to explain the characters in the murals depicting stories from Journey to the West to their international peers, sparking a lively exchange of views on the spread of Buddhist culture.

At the Maijishan Grottoes and the colorful Danxia landforms, the students learned about the historical significance and artistic value of each mural, sculpture, and color of the Danxia landscape. They captured these moments with their cameras and sketches, planning to incorporate these materials into their own artistic creations, enriching their palettes with both cultural and natural colors.

At the Yumen Pass site, the Han Dynasty Great Wall ruins, Yulin Caves, and Mingsha Mountain, these historically significant passes and walls told stories of a grand history through their earthen structures. On the boundless Gobi Desert, one could almost visualize caravans and monks traveling between oases and dunes. Both Chinese and international students felt the enduring vitality of the Silk Road. Standing atop the walls of Jiayuguan, gazing at the endless mountains and the winding Great Wall, with tracks and echoes of camel bells in the distance, the students truly sensed the power and wisdom carried by this ancient symbol of Chinese civilization.

In the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, the students entered a familiar "grand classroom." The sculptures, murals, and architecture of the Mogao Grottoes were well-known to them. Here, students from different departments engaged in lively discussions: those studying sculpture analyzed the finest Buddhist statues and color changes in the pigments; students of art history explained the Buddhist stories depicted in the murals and the history of the discovery of the Sutra Cave; design students discussed the decorative elements of the caisson ceilings; architecture students spoke about the construction and spatial layout of the grottoes; and restoration students shared insights from their own experiences on the latest heritage protection measures. International students, drawing on their understanding of Chinese culture, posed many questions to the guides. This interactive exchange truly highlighted the essence of the "Journey West" in art education.

This "Perceiving China: Art Education Journey West" social practice allowed students to walk a segment of the "Silk Road," immersing themselves in the rich traditional culture of China and the unique charm of the western regions. It also provided an invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange between Chinese and international students. Through this journey, they came to understand the importance of preserving the continuous transmission of Chinese civilization across generations. The students hope to actively participate in the Central Academy of Fine Arts' action plan to contribute to the construction of modern Chinese civilization and apply their professional expertise to international cooperation in the fields of cultural and natural heritage. They aspire to create works with "spiritual depth, cultural substance, and artistic value."