The exhibition, titled "Grand Tour," reflects a pedagogical shift toward experiential learning. CAA President Yu Xuhong noted that artistic creation must move out of enclosed spaces and be tested within real social contexts. By integrating these works into Hangzhou, the academy aims to shape a new landscape for world art, turning the city itself into a classroom where students grasp historical and cultural transformations through active observation.

Running alongside the exhibition, the International Youth Art Dialogue brings together deans from over 50 art academies and participants from more than 50 countries. The program includes high-level dialogues on the mission of art education and exhibitions designed to foster cross-cultural exchange. Since pioneering public graduation shows in 2009, the institution has solidified its role in turning student work into a public cultural event, with this year's installment remaining open to the public until June 21.