On November 22, the Yangtze River Delta (Hefei-Yangzhou) University International Students’ Friendship Gala themed “Sing & Dance for the Youth, Shared Joy with International Friends” was held at the Students’ Activity Center of Hefei University(HFU). The event brought together more than 300 international students from over 40 countries, as a bridge to foster friendship.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Qiu Xiaoqi, Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, Wu Pingchuan, Chair of HFU Council, and Zhou Fei, Vice Chair of HFU Council.
Qiu Xiaoqi stated, this event is a vivid practice for fostering cultural exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and international youth, “promoting understanding and cooperation through art and friendship”. He encouraged those international students to be cultural envoys connecting China and their own countries, tell their friends and families the true and thorough image of China based on their own experiences, and contribute to enhancing people-to-people bonds.
On behalf of HFU, Wu Pingchuan extended a warm welcome to all the guests and international students. He pointed out, the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta has not only boosted economic coordination but also established a broad platform for people-to-people and cultural exchanges. He encouraged those international students to “feel friendship with hearts, explore culture with wisdom, and fulfil dreams through actions”, so that they can become dynamic forces in building a community with a shared future for mankind.
At the gala, a giant dragon soared and colorful lions moved nimbly, kicking off this cultural exchange with a gorgeous opening. Afterwards, international students from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Russia, India, and Malaysia impressed the audience with their singing and dancing in their traditional costumes featuring their national characteristics.
On the very morning, community members from certain universities in Hefei also prepared a variety of cultural exchange activities for international students from Yangzhou. In the handcraft experience area, international students experienced traditional lacquer art, tasted Chinese tea, and were immersed in the charm of traditional Chinese culture. The performances on stage were equally wonderful: the Lu Opera singing had a long and lingering charm; the melody of the musical instrument performance was fantastic, and the rap performance was full of energy. Young people with different colored skins and cultural backgrounds crossed language barriers with smiles and applause, and recorded the beautiful moments.
