On May 24, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) held its 4th International Cultural Festival, celebrating the theme “Symphony of Civilizations, Youth in Harmony.” The event highlighted BFSU’s vibrant, inclusive, and multicultural campus atmosphere.
Attending the event were Jia Dezhong, Deputy Party Secretary of BFSU; Dong Chuan, Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Division at the Beijing Municipal Education Commission; Xu Ziwen, Head of the Entry-Exit Administration at the Haidian Public Security Bureau; Tie Changsheng, President of the Research Association on International Student Affairs, Beijing Association of Higher Education; and representatives from international student offices at various universities including the University of International Business and Economics, Beijing International Studies University, Communication University of China, Minzu University of China, Capital Normal University, Beijing Language and Culture University, Central University of Finance and Economics, Capital Medical University, and University of Science and Technology Beijing. BFSU faculty and staff, international and Chinese students, and alumni also took part in the celebration.
In his opening speech, Jia Dezhong noted that this festival is not only a vivid reflection of BFSU’s inclusive and global campus environment, but also embodies the university’s strategic vision of global engagement. He emphasized that the event aligns with China’s Global Civilization Initiative and Global Development Initiative. He encouraged students—both Chinese and international—to see themselves as ambassadors of cultural exchanges and bridges for mutual learning, and to treat the festival as a “practical classroom” to enhance their capabilities and a “mobile classroom” to broaden their international perspectives.
The opening ceremony began with a string quartet performance of “Por Una Cabeza” by Chinese and international students, showing how music transcends borders and connects people. Malaysian student Chen Huilin then impressed the crowd with her martial arts performance “Dynamic Youth”, showcasing the elegance and power of Chinese martial arts. The group dance “Hello, BFSU” by students from Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand conveyed their deep affection for BFSU through vibrant choreography.
After the ceremony, a lively international parade took over the campus. Student representatives from various countries marched through the Cultural Plaza and along the tree-lined paths in a colorful display of traditional attire, song, and dance. Nearly 200 students participated, turning the campus into a living mosaic of world cultures. Spectators lining the route cheered with enthusiasm, immersing themselves in the festive blend of global cultures and youthful energy.
The “Voices of the World” student performance salon featured traditional dances from Azerbaijan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Madagascar, and the Republic of the Congo, alongside musical performances, folk songs, Chinese kuaiban (rhythmic storytelling), and even Peking Opera by both Chinese and international students. These performances enriched the cultural experience and added further charm and appeal to the festival.
The cultural exhibition area, open throughout the day, featured national booths and a special Chinese culture zone. Visitors were treated to a dazzling array of traditional clothing, cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural displays from around the world. The Chinese cultural zone showcased the beauty of Chinese traditions through elements like Hanfu, opera, and folk arts. Officers from the Haidian Entry-Exit Administration set up a dedicated booth within the China zone to address questions from international students regarding Chinese law, visa policies, residence and stay in China, internships, and student employment. They also hosted interactive games on immigration rules and telecom fraud prevention, where students could win police-themed cultural souvenirs, adding a fun and educational touch to the day.
The International Cultural Festival has become a distinctive hallmark of BFSU’s campus culture. This event, organized entirely by members of the BFSU community, offers a comprehensive display of the university’s international education achievements and its commitment to fostering a global outlook among students.
