On November 30, the First BNU Zhuhai International Cultural Festival officially kicked off at Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai (BNU Zhuhai). Over 500 guests, faculty, staff, and students from more than 44 countries, including China, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Japan, Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia, Myanmar, Tanzania, Zambia, the Philippines, Lebanon, and Colombia, participated in the vibrant and diverse activities of the festival.
The event began with a lively and melodious ethnic song, Pastoral Song, followed by four international students from Pakistan, Liberia, Thailand, and Mongolia who hosted the event and introduced the exciting activities of the International Cultural Festival to the guests and audience.
Dai Wei, Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee of BNU Zhuhai and Secretary General of BNU Zhuhai, delivered a welcome speech. He reflected on the university's achievements in internationalization since its establishment and quoted President Xi Jinping's view that "Chinese civilization has always valued mutual understanding and respect between different civilizations," emphasizing the importance of international friendship and cultural exchange. He highlighted that the First BNU Zhuhai International Cultural Festival promoted cross-cultural communication, enhanced mutual understanding, and facilitated the international dissemination of Chinese culture, contributing the wisdom and strength of Beijing Normal University to the localization and fusion of diverse cultures.
After the speech, the guests took the stage to officially declare the opening of the festival.
Student representatives from various countries, dressed in traditional costumes and carrying their national flags, entered the venue one by one, displaying their cultural etiquette and positive attitudes, and collectively illustrating a beautiful vision of cultural integration.
The subsequent performances, including the graceful Chinese dance Bamboo Slips, the heartfelt poetry recitation I Will Tell You about the Moon, and the powerful chorus Heal the World, ignited the atmosphere and captivated the audience.
At the International Cultural Showcase, a diverse range of performances from different countries came together, creating a harmonious celebration of global cultures. The opening performance, a group chorus of Hemerocallis Flower, was beautiful and uplifting, while the folk music performances General Order and A Smile of the Sea were both magnificent. The fusion of the horse-head fiddle and Mongolian dance showcased the deep cultural heritage of Mongolia, while the passionate Russian folk dance reflected the vibrant emotions and cultural spirit of the Russian people. The lively Unforgettable Vietnam exuded Vietnamese charm, and the elegant and mysterious traditional Thai dance offered a glimpse into Thai culture.
The showcase highlighted the rich diversity of international cultures. Cambodian costumes and krama, Thai elephants, colorful Thai flower garlands, dazzling Pakistani jewels, delicious Japanese snacks, traditional Lebanese music, and folk games from around the world all came together to create a unique cultural experience. Additionally, booths for intangible cultural heritage were set up, allowing teachers and students to immerse themselves in the production processes and appreciate the unique charm of Chinese culture.
Following the opening ceremony, guests, along with teachers and students, visited the Research and Development Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage, where they explored the historical origins, cultural significance, and exhibits related to shadow puppetry, paper cutting, Inner Mongolian culture, Song Dynasty ceramics, and contemporary intangible cultural heritage.
On November 26, the “Exploring the World” Cultural Salon, part of the International Cultural Festival, was held. Sae Chu Natthasit, a Thai international student, shared the passionate cultural traditions of Thailand with the audience, while Adekunle, an international student from Nigeria, led an exploration of Nigeria’s history, cuisine, wildlife, and art.
The First BNU Zhuhai International Cultural Festival is not only a grand cultural celebration but also a milestone in cross-cultural exchange and integration. Through a series of rich and colorful cultural activities, the festival created an experiential platform for cross-cultural exchange, leveraging the cultural resources of international students from countries along the Belt and Road. This platform has enhanced cultural awareness among teachers and students, fostering a deeper understanding of various cultures through direct experiences. The International Cultural Festival exemplifies the international education ethos at BNU Zhuhai, contributing to the creation of a dynamic and inclusive campus atmosphere. It has allowed diverse cultures to take root and flourish, cultivating a more open, inclusive, and harmonious campus cultural ecosystem. The festival has also contributed to the international dissemination of Chinese culture, helping the world gain a deeper understanding of China while facilitating the integration of international cultures into the local context. This has strengthened the cultural confidence and sense of belonging among international students, inspiring greater enthusiasm for cross-cultural learning and understanding, and contributing to the building of a shared future for mankind.