Founded in 1928 as the first art academy with complete academic subjects in China, the China Academy of Art (CAA), after having undergone changes in name and location, continues to yield outstanding achievements known both at home and abroad. With a mission to revitalize Chinese art, it is in active dialogue with the world and has great influence in the development of modern and contemporary art in China.

The academy in recent years expanded its departments and academic teams and has garnered the most tremendous achievements in its history. CAA’s infrastructure has improved in unprecedented ways. With Nanshan Campus being finished in 2003, and Xiangshan Campus becoming fully functional in 2007, and with an area of over 66 hectares and total working space of 300,000 square meters, the academy now has three beautiful and well equipped campuses in the cities of Hangzhou and Shanghai.

The serene views of the West Lake and the inviting vistas of the Xiangshan campus nurture the unique spirit of the academy, and inspire and continue the poetic dialogue between nature and mind which has shaped its legacy. This peaceful natural environment beacons the individual to reflect and explore, to observe and to create.

CAA has developed a unique multiple academic structure. Its fine arts major has been honored as a key discipline of the nation, while its fine arts, design and art theory programs have been listed as three key provincial research bases in the humanities.

CAA now has 4 first standard doctoral programs in art theory, fine arts, design, and drama and film.