Organized by the School of Design at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the 2026 AI-Empowered Cultural Creativity Summer School was successfully held from July 6 to 17, 2026. The program brought together young students from Ecole BRASSART in France and multiple universities in China. Focusing on the interdisciplinary integration of artificial intelligence and the humanities, the summer school explored Ming–Qing silk motifs from Suzhou, with the butterfly motif selected as a representative case study. Through cultural research and AI-powered creative practice, students investigated the historical context, aesthetic systems, and visual logic embedded in traditional motifs, and further explored new approaches to the contemporary reinterpretation and innovative design of cultural heritage through artificial intelligence technologies.

• Curriculum Exploration

01 Empowered by AI Technology

The first phase of the course focused on teaching domestic AI technologies. Professor Liu Bo led students on a field visit to ByteDance, where they explored the latest developments in AI-powered creative tools. Through the introduction of ByteDance’s CapCut platform, students learned the fundamental principles of AI image-generation models, methods for constructing prompts, and features such as intelligent camera movement. The course helped students develop foundational skills in AI-assisted creation while fostering new approaches to creative thinking and design transformation.

02 Exploring Cultural Significance

The second phase of the course focused on cultural research into Suzhou silk patterns from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Professor Wen Xiaojing used the butterfly motif found in these patterns as a starting point to guide students in exploring its historical evolution, cultural symbolism, and visual language. This approach fostered a deeper understanding of the aesthetic value and cultural significance embodied in traditional patterns, while also providing a solid humanities foundation for subsequent AI-driven design adaptations and innovative practices.

03 Integrating Embodied Intelligence

The third phase of the course focuses on embodied intelligence and dynamic interaction technologies. Professor Tan Xinyang guides students in exploring innovative ways to reinterpret traditional patterns through embodied intelligence technologies, demonstrating how static visual symbols can be transformed into immersive, interactive, and experiential practices, thereby expanding the boundaries of innovative expression for traditional culture in contemporary design.

• Showcase of Achievements

The final project showcase invited experts from ByteDance to participate in discussions. The experts viewed students’ works on site and provided valuable feedback from multiple perspectives, including creative concepts, technological applications, and user experience.

Selected Works

Group 1: A Journey in Paper

Group Members: Qiu Jiayi, Lu Shufei, DEVITADZE Anna, JEGUIRIM Safine

Design Description:

"A Journey in Paper" is an AI-assisted, cross-cultural paper theater short film that uses French paper theater as its visual language to interweave four classic stories: "Zhuang Zhou Dreaming of a Butterfly", "The Cicada and the Ant", "The Metamorphosis", and "The Butterfly Spring". These four stories respectively reflect different stages of life—from self-awareness, choices in growing up, and identity crises to love and rebirth—forming a cyclical journey of life. The butterfly, serving as the narrator throughout the film, traverses East and West, reality and dreams, guiding the audience to reflect on the meaning of identity, time, and life.

Group 2: The Union of Cultures

Group Members: Annabelle Ji, BURNEL Emma, MERY Pauline, REY Prune

Design Description:

"The Union of Cultures" is an interactive digital installation that bridges Chinese and French cultures. Inspired by Qing Dynasty history and the team’s cross-cultural experiences in Shanghai, the work aims to transform "barriers" into "harmony". The experience unfolds in three acts: synchronized movements by two participants cause a white lotus to bloom, breaking down cultural barriers; a crane and a dove of peace fly side by side, symbolizing the fusion of the two nations; and finally, the scene transforms into a dazzling tableau of a hundred butterflies. Combining real-time interaction via TouchDesigner with AI-generated visuals, the project blends Eastern aesthetics with modern technology to convey a sense of cross-cultural emotional resonance.

Group 3: Love of the blue butterfly

Group Members: Zang Aiyao, Gai Yümeng, GNAHORÉ Julie, JALET Noémie, TALEB Lilia

Design Description:

Using a piece of blue-and-white porcelain as its narrative vehicle, the film unfolds a love story that spans time and space. As an elderly man paints the porcelain, he gradually brings to life the story within it: a French girl and a Chinese boy are brought together by a blue butterfly, meet, and fall in love, only to be separated by distance. From then on, the boy painted butterflies every day to express his longing. Many years later, the paintings crossed the ocean and were exhibited in France. When the girl saw the blue butterflies once again—filled with memories—she felt the depth of a love that transcended time. The film blends blue-and-white porcelain patterns, interactive storytelling, and Eastern aesthetics to showcase the eternal connection between love and cultural heritage.

Group 4: Metamorphosis at Fingertips: Gesture-Responsive Interaction and Sino-French Digital Art Co-Creation

Group Members: Peng Xinying, Huang Keqiao, BOISNARD Julie, LEDRANS Sarah

Design Description:

Taking the butterfly motif as its cultural thread, this project bridges traditional Chinese imagery with the French artistic context. Through gesture recognition, real-time imagery, and interactive storytelling, it transforms the audience’s physical movements into acts of awakening, guidance, creation, and metamorphosis within the visual composition. The design is not confined to a single object or medium; instead, it allows the patterns to regrow within the digital space, revealing the resonance between Chinese and French cultures through the interaction between people and the artwork, and exploring new possibilities for the fusion of traditional aesthetics, smart technology, and contemporary art.

• Wander the Centennial Campus, Discover the Spirit of SJTU

This summer school program organized a variety of field trips and cultural experiences. Students toured the Design Building to gain an in-depth understanding of the school’s teaching spaces, research facilities, and creative environments. They also visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Xuhui Campus and the Cultural Heritage Building at the Minhang Campus, where they explored the university’s historical architecture, cultural landscapes, thematic exhibitions, and precious historical materials to gain insight into the development of Shanghai Jiao Tong University over the past century. In addition, Workshop instructor Wang Yunlan led the students in a screen printing workshop. Beginning with the fundamental principles and processes of screen printing, the workshop guided students through the complete creative process from pattern design to printed outcomes, allowing them to appreciate the unique charm of hands-on craftsmanship.

• A Finale, Not a Farewell

On July 17, the summer school held a closing ceremony to present certificates of completion to the students. From the study of traditional patterns to the application of AI technology, and from cultural understanding to innovative practice, this summer school explored contemporary expressions of traditional culture empowered by artificial intelligence. Through cross-cultural exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration, Chinese and French students jointly undertook a design exploration that transcended geographical and disciplinary boundaries, not only deepening their understanding of traditional Chinese culture but also broadening their innovative perspectives for the future. Moving forward, the project will continue to promote the integrated development of international exchange and design innovation, exploring further possibilities for technology to empower cultural creativity.