April 7, The exhibition Let Art Take Root in the Land: "My Precious Hometown" & AADTHU Social Practice Achievements Exhibition opened at the Block A Exhibition Hal, Academy of Arts & Design, THU. Jointly organized by the New Media Center of People's Daily and the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, and hosted by the Academy’s Student Affairs Office and Communist Youth League Committee, the event showcases artistic works born from the fusion of academic practice and grassroots engagement.
Through paintings, designs, multimedia installations, and films, the exhibition narrates the cultural heritage and contemporary vitality of communities across China. It highlights the achievements of Tsinghua faculty and students in leveraging art to empower local development, reflecting their commitment to channeling creativity into social progress and cultural preservation.
Opening Ceremony
The ceremony commenced with a flash performance by members of Tsinghua University’s Traditional Music Ensemble. Students Yu Jiaxu, Shi Chengyu, and Liang Yuzheng captivated the audience with My Motherland, a melodic tribute to their cherished hometowns.
In his opening remarks, Qin Chuan, Party Committee Secretary of the Academy of Arts & Design, THU, emphasized that the exhibition embodies students’ responses to pressing societal issues and showcases the Academy’s progress in integrating "Five-Dimensional Education" (moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education). Centered on the theme Let Art Take Root in the Land, the works spotlight innovations in rural revitalization, revitalizing intangible cultural heritage, and aesthetic education initiatives. “This is not merely a display of outcomes but a microcosm of our efforts to blend ideological education with professional training, nurturing a generation ready to address the challenges of our times,” he stated.
Zhang Yixuan, Deputy Director of People’s Daily New Media Center, praised the exhibition as “A flowing verse, painted on the landscape, inscribed in the streets, woven into life, resonating with the heart of every hometown, a vessel of shared memories and longing.” She highlighted the synergy between art and media, noting that the My Precious Hometown series exemplifies how aesthetic innovation can amplify storytelling in the digital age.
Ma Sai, Dean of the Academy of Arts & Design, THU, presented awards to Zhu Ying and Li Ke, outstanding “dual-role” political counselors (academic and administrative), for their mentorship in student social practice programs.
Certificates were also awarded to representatives of the 14 student teams featured in the exhibition.
Ye Weilin, a 2023 undergraduate from the Visual Communication Design Department, shared his journey from initial uncertainty about art’s societal role to profound realizations through hands-on projects.
Recounting his team’s 2025 winter fieldwork in Zhangzhou, Fujian, he described their exploration of woodblock printing, puppet theater, and culinary traditions. By transforming intangible heritage into modern designs, digital narratives, and academic research, Ye concluded: “The essence of aesthetic education lies in cultivating affection for their homeland and national identity.”
The event underscores art’s power to resonate with public aspirations and youth’s capacity to answer the call of the times. It invites reflection on how creativity can thrive beyond gallery walls, inspiring future generations to craft works that marry depth with emotional resonance.
Exhibition Venue
Exhibition Highlights
Curated by the Student Affairs Office
