On the morning of May 18, North China University of Technology held the opening ceremony of its 9th International Cultural Festival at Yuxiu Square. Hosted by the International School and jointly organized by the Youth League Committee and the Brunel London School, this year’s festival was themed “80 Years of Legacy: Global Wisdom, Shared Future.” More than 500 students and faculty members from nearly 70 countries participated, making it the largest edition of the event to date.
Guests attending the event included Bakary Gassama, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of The Gambia in China; Daulet Omarov, Counselor of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in China; Muhammetnazar Ovezov, First Secretary and Consul of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in China; Celestina Ayiambeng Ondo, Director of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Equatorial Guinea in China; and Miriam Mbana Makina, Director of the Commercial Section of the embassy. Representatives from foreign embassies in China, the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, the Shijingshan District, and partner universities also attended the event.
Before the opening ceremony, President Zhang Lifeng met with visiting guests and introduced the University’s recent progress in campus development, disciplinary planning, and internationalization. He emphasized the University’s commitment to expanding global partnerships, promoting international education, and fostering mutual learning and cultural exchange among students from different countries.
Opening Ceremony Highlights Cultural Exchange and Shared Aspirations
The festival officially opened with a performance inspired by Dunhuang dance traditions, followed by an opening address delivered by Zhang Lifeng. He explained the meaning of the University motto, “Cultivating Virtue and Pursuing Learning,” and reflected on the University’s achievements in international education. Drawing on his own experiences, he noted that China’s development has been driven not only by perseverance, but also by openness and exchanges with the world. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in promoting mutual understanding and shared progress. Since its launch in 2013, the International Cultural Festival has become an important platform for communication and friendship among students from around the world. Chen Qun, Vice President of the University, presided over the ceremony.
Dante, an international alumnus from India, delivered remarks on behalf of international alumni. He shared his experiences studying at North China University of Technology and expressed appreciation for the education and support he received during his time at the University. He noted that his experience in China not only enriched his academic knowledge, but also broadened his worldview and strengthened his understanding of teamwork and mutual learning.
University leaders and guests jointly attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and took a group photo. Zhang Lifeng presented the International Cultural Festival flag to the student representative and officially announced the opening of the festival.
The artistic performances featured a rich variety of cultural traditions from around the world. Traditional Vietnamese dance performances, multicultural folk dances, Malaysian songs, and energetic performances from students of the Democratic Republic of the Congo drew enthusiastic responses from the audience. An international student fashion show also became one of the highlights of the event. Through music, dance, and artistic expression, students from different countries showcased the diversity and vitality of global cultures.
Interactive Cultural Exhibits Bring Global Traditions to Campus
International students from 31 countries, dressed in traditional costumes, presented cultural exhibition booths featuring handicrafts, traditional clothing, decorative items, and photographs representing their home countries. Students also introduced local customs and traditions and shared homemade traditional foods with visitors.
A dedicated Chinese traditional culture exhibition area also attracted strong interest. Activities and displays featuring paper-cutting, Chinese knots, grass weaving, sachets, painted masks, rabbit figurines, and traditional snacks offered international students an opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand. Participants used specially designed festival passports to collect commemorative stamps while interacting with students from different countries, creating an engaging and immersive atmosphere. Through these exchanges, Chinese and international students deepened friendship and mutual understanding.
Since its establishment in 2013, the International Cultural Festival has been successfully held eight times and has become an important platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning among students from around the world. It is also one of the four University’s signature campus cultural events with broad influence in western Beijing. Coinciding with the University’s 80th anniversary, this year’s festival carried special significance. The event featured four major exhibition areas: an international education achievements exhibition, an outstanding student work exhibition, an international cultural exhibition, and Chinese and international student performances.
