When it comes to igniting conversations, forging friendships, and delving into life stories, one topic usually stands the test of time — art. And these connections built through art can cross cultures and borders.

In the latest episode of China Daily's video series Youth Power, which aired online on July 30, art-loving Gen Zers from different countries and regions gathered at the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts in Dalian, Liaoning province, to discuss topics on beauty, art, and the essence of life.

At the beginning of the episode, each guest presented an object they believed can best exemplify the splendor of Chinese art and culture.

For example, Pismennaia Aleksandra from Russia brought a giant traditional Chinese knot. Currently a graduate student of architecture and environmental design at Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in Chongqing, Aleksandra was astonished by how a seemingly simple long rope can be meticulously woven and knotted into an aesthetic double-layered symmetrical design.

Jun Yehyoung from South Korea, studying at Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts & Design, brought a jersey of the academy's basketball team. The jersey, featuring a group of Buddhas from the murals of Dunhuang's Mogao Caves, joyfully playing musical instruments together, was designed by Jun and his fellow teammates. It's a beautiful combination of Chinese culture and the athletic spirit of Tsinghua University.

Giacomo Bruni from Italy picked five traditional Chinese paint brushes of different sizes. Currently pursuing his studies in traditional Chinese landscape painting at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Bruni has developed a profound fascination for Chinese paint brushes. "In my view, the brush encapsulates the creativity of the world. It encapsulates yin and yang with the hardness of its handle and the softness of its hair," he explained.

And for Song Deao, a Chinese graduate student at the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts, he chose the official mascots used to promote winter sports in China, released by the General Administration of Sport of China in 2019, of which he was involved in the design. To Song, the two cartoon characters embody the professional pursuit of artists in creating art that resonates with the public. For example, one of them wears a pair of tiger-head shoes and a longevity lock around its neck, and they both have traditional cloud patterns on their clothes. "These mascots reflect the lively and cheerful aesthetics of modern China and are appreciated and enjoyed by people of all ages," said Song.