On November 18, a Maldivian youth delegation, consisting of more than 10 students and education professionals, visited the College of Chinese & ASEAN Art for an in-depth cultural exchange experience in China.

The delegation visited the art center, traditional craft research institute, fine arts department, and international affairs office, where they toured the college's facilities and learned about Sichuan's history, culture, urban development through detailed explanations. They also entered various handicraft workshops to appreciate traditional Chinese crafts such as lacquer art, shadow puppetry, tie-dyeing, bamboo weaving, and pottery. The exquisite artworks and the unique traditional craftsmanship left the delegation in awe. Following this, they held a discussion with Chinese students and international students, fostering mutual understanding and building friendships among the youth from both sides.

A engaging and insightful calligraphy experience session became the highlight of the visit. Under the guidance of instructors, delegation members started with the basics of holding and maneuvering the brush, learned the fundamentals of Chinese characters, and explored the evolution of Chinese script. They attempted to complete their own calligraphy works, experiencing the essence of Chinese calligraphy in every stroke, thereby appreciating the unique charm of Chinese characters and the profound depth of Chinese culture. The delegation members also enthusiastically practiced writing the character "福" (fu, meaning "fortune") in various styles.

Delegation member Ahmed Alaa Didi, a historian from the Maldives, was deeply impressed by the exchange. "This is a city that values knowledge and focuses on cultivating talent. The people here place great importance on building their future, which is what impressed me the most during my time in Sichuan," he remarked.

The College of Chinese & ASEAN Art was established on November 19, 2017. As an unincorporated and fully public comprehensive art college with relative autonomy in school operation, it is approved by the Chengdu Municipal People's Government to practice the spirit of the “Belt and Road” initiative so as to accelerate the development of Chengdu into a cultural and creative center of western China and a world-famous cultural city.