To further promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, SHOU held the Fifth International Cultural Festival & International Chinese Language Day Theme Activities on the Starfish Square on April 18. The event was sponsored by the College of International Cultural Exchange and co-organized by the SHOU Branch of the Communist Youth League. Themed by “Mutual Learning of Civilizations · Beauty and Sharing”, the event included award presentation, artistic performance, visit to international cultural exhibition booths etc.

Zhu Zhanghua, Dean of the College of International Cultural Exchange, delivered a speech and announced the opening. As well put by her, this year is the 10th anniversary of the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind being proposed by President Xi Jinping, and also the 10th anniversary of the “Belt and Road” Initiative being put forward. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that we should jointly advocate respect for the diversity of world civilizations, and, in handling relations among civilizations, replace estrangement with exchange, clashes with mutual learning, and superiority with inclusiveness. It is hoped that, by holding the event, young people from all over the world will be encouraged to uphold the concept of “a community with a shared future for mankind” and learn from each other with an open mind, inclusive attitude, and extensive exchanges, thereby jointly creating a beautiful future of “Beauty and Sharing”.

At the opening ceremony, Chinese and foreign students who excelled in the “First Friendly Calligraphy Competition for Chinese and Foreign Students”, the “International Chinese Language Day Logo Design Competition”, and the “2022 Outstanding International Student” received the awards. The participants of the event included leaders of the College of International Education of Shanghai DianJi University, the International Department of East Shanghai High School, Shanghai Lingang Experimental Middle School, and related departments and colleges of SHOU; representatives of teachers and students, etc.

The second stage of the event was artistic performance, with the hosts and performers mostly being Chinese and foreign students. The opening song Wake me up when September ends, performed by Chinese and foreign students with a strong metal feeling, instantly ignited the atmosphere at the scene. Following that, a series of carefully choreographed programs ceaselessly pushed the atmosphere of the scene to new heights, including the folk music performances with Chinese characteristics Night of Confession and Fragrance of Rice; the sincere poem recitation Be Industrious and Loyal SHOUers; the graceful dance Initial Makeup of the Dishui Lake; the exotic fashion show Happy Gathering Show @ SHOU; the folk dance Beauty and Sharing; and the chorus Friends. The cheers from the audience also surged higher and higher. The artistic performance came to an end amidst a big chorus.

After the artistic performance, the visit to international cultural exhibition booths started. A total of 12 cultural exhibition booths covered 17 countries and regions, including China. In the dazzling exhibition booths, Chinese and foreign students dressed in unique costumes from various countries showcased their brilliant skills. Some prepared local cuisines, some narrated the cultural elements of their exhibits, some shared their own country’s stories, and others warmly invited visitors to experience their activities. Many exhibition booths attracted long queues of visitors. Chinese and foreign students actively interacted and took photos with each other. After the event, they still lingered around for a long time.

The Fifth International Cultural Festival & International Chinese Language Day Theme Activities exhibited the rich campus culture and elegant demeanor of Chinese and foreign students at SHOU, provided a platform of exchanges and mutual learning for different cultures from all over the world, and encouraged young people from all over the world to jointly create a beautiful future of “beauty and sharing” with an open mind, inclusive attitude, extensive exchanges, and profound friendships.