Art painting transcends time and space and serves as a universal language, wielding significant influence across cultures and eras, from the East to the West, and throughout history. Our mixed methods study explored the potential of painting to bridge cultures, promote value exchange, and contribute to social changes. The research, conducted at the School of Chinese Painting at the China Academy of Art, involved interviews with participants and a survey to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. The analysis revealed several key themes. First, participants emphasized the power of paintings as a universal language. Emotional connection, shared humanity, and symbolic language were identified as subthemes, highlighting how paintings transcend cultural barriers and resonate with viewers on a deeper level. Second, the study explored the role of paintings in historical narratives and cultural identity.  Paintings serve as historical documents, allowing us to connect with and learn from past cultures. They can also challenge stereotypes and promote cultural exchange by sparking curiosity and interest in different cultures. Our study suggests that paintings play a significant role in promoting cultural understanding, fostering empathy, and inspiring social change in our increasingly interconnected world.