On May 20th, the opening ceremony of the 11th "International Cultural festival" was held in Peiyang Square of Tianjin University (TJU). The theme of the festival is "entering a new era and achieving a new leap".
This year is the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, as well as the crucial year in TJU’s internationalization plan. In order to enhance international influence and to promote the internationalization process, TJU continues to hold the 11th International Cultural Festival with the aim of creating an active atmosphere in the campus to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese students and exchange students.
Chen Zhihua, dean of the International Education Institute of Tianjin University, presided over the opening ceremony. Hu Wenping, vice president of TJU, delivered a speech in the opening ceremony. Malaysian Embassy counselor Hou Chun Hing was invited to attend the ceremony. Attending together were officials from Foreigners Working department of Tianjin Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, Exit and Entry Administration Bureau of Tianjin Public Security Bureau and Tianjin University. More than 1000 students including exchange students, took part in the ceremony.
Exchange students from different countries delivered impressive and fabulous performances in the opening ceremony.
At the beginning of the opening ceremony, the Malaysian students performed "Road to TJU" visually impressing the audience with the twenty-four festival drums. Later, exchange students from Africa, Korea, Southeast Asia and Russia all performed their traditional singing or dancing. The Phoenix Rising, a guitar solo from a Kazakh student, Murat, was warmly welcomed. George from Cameroon surprised people present with singing the song called "My Sun". Roja from Russia brought a female solo "SWEET NIGHT", enticing the audience to appreciate the unique charm of Russia. Dances were also wonderful. A Mongolian traditional dance performed by Mongolian students demonstrated the simplicity, enthusiasm, and bravery of Mongolians through waving and leaping. Six Indian girls performed the dance "I am your fan", letting the audience enjoy the beauty of Indian traditions. Students from Sao Tome and Principe were admired because of their dance "Sao Tome and Principe Impression". In response to the enthusiasm of the exchange students, children from the Miao Miao Art Troupe performed "Love my homeland—China", showing the unity of 56 ethnicities in one county.
Other interesting activities were also included in the "International Cultural Festival", such as displays of special foods, multi-cultural displays and other items. In the multicultural exhibition, exchange students from different countries dressed in traditional ethnic costumes, patiently and warmly explained to the visitors about their cultures and customs. For audiences interested in their culture and interacting with them, they also prepared gifts to show their gratitude.
The smooth exchange of culture is the basis for peaceful development, and peaceful development is an important part of international cooperation. Known as the "mini-World Expo," the International Cultural Festival has been a window to understand global life, and a stage to show the world about TJU. The first International Cultural Festival in 2007was ten years ago. This year witnesses the moment when TJU officially considers "International Cultural Festival" as one of the school culture brand activities. It is believed that the International Cultural Festival will be more beneficial in highlighting the campus international cultural atmosphere and promoting cultural exchange among students.
By: Wei Shanshan
Editors: Qin Mian and Keith Harrington
