Chongqing - Vibrant costumes, lively music, and flags from around the world set the stage for a cultural celebration as the Chongqing Jiaotong University (CQJTU) International Cultural Festival 2024 opened on November 22 at its Science City campus.

International students cheered at the CQJTU International Cultural Festival 2024. (Photo/ CQJTU)

Over 2,000 teachers and students from 42 countries, including China, Thailand, Benin, Bangladesh, Morocco, Mongolia, and others, gathered at the university's Lakeside Square to experience the exchange and fusion of diverse cultures.

Teachers and students gathered at the university's Lakeside Square to take a group photo. (Photo/ CQJUT)

The International Cultural Festival, themed "Land and Sea Connected, Five Continents United," featured various events, including the "Rhythm of Bridges" art competition, the "Diverse Dialogue between Chongqing and the World" Chinese and foreign students' speech contest, the "Meet China in Chongqing" drama performances, and the second Belt and Road Carnival, offering a rich lineup of cultural exchange activities.

Bridging geographies and celebrating cultural integration

Huang Chengfeng, Vice President of CQJTU, highlighted that "Land and Sea Connected" represents both geographical connectivity and spiritual unity, with Chongqing serving as a vital hub for exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. "Five Continents Connected" emphasizes cultural diversity and shared human values. He expressed hope that the festival would transcend boundaries, fostering cultural resonance and showcasing the harmony of diversity.

Huang Chengfeng, Vice President of CQJTU, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. (Photo/ CQJTU)

Zhang Yaxi, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, said cultural exchange is key to global progress, fostering understanding, friendship, and a shared future for humanity. She reaffirmed Chongqing's dedication to international cooperation, advancing science, technology, and cultural exchanges, and promoting the city’s global development.

Zhang Yaxi, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. (Photo/ CQJTU)

Yu Yuanling, Dean of the International Education Academy at CQJTU, shared that the event aims to showcase the university’s commitment to open education and cultural exchange. The International Cultural Festival provides a platform for Chinese and international students to display their talents while fostering communication, understanding, and mutual learning between civilizations.

Huang Chengfeng, Vice President of CQJTU (left), and Yu Yuanling, Dean of the International Education Academy at CQJTU (middle), were interviewed by an iChongqing reporter (right). (Photo/ CQJTU)

Students thrilled by global styles in traditional costumes

At the opening ceremony, diverse foods, booths, and cultural activities highlighted the regional cultures of Belt and Road countries. The mix of international and Chinese aesthetics created an immersive atmosphere, allowing students to experience the fusion of civilizations.

Mulan from Benin, Africa, spoke at the opening ceremony, recalling her time studying Chinese at CQJTU in 2013 and now being a graduate student at Beijing Film Academy. She emphasized how the cultural festival promotes global understanding and unity for peace and development. Mulan also recited The Ballad of Mulan in Chinese, expressing her love for her alma mater and receiving warm applause from the audience.

Mulan from Benin, Africa, spoke at the opening ceremony. (Photo/ CQJTU)

Medy Kaj Mukanda Plamedi, an international student from Congo, showcased a traditional dress in yellow and black at the "International Style Show" during the opening ceremony. After six months of studying Chinese at CQJTU, she can speak basic expressions and is excited to begin her four-year mechanical engineering program.

Congolese students from CQJTU dressed in traditional costumes and made an appearance in the "International Style Show." (Photo/ CQJTU)

"This event is amazing, especially seeing people from various countries in their unique traditional costumes. I also think Chinese Hanfu is very beautiful!" said Musonda Chiwala, an international student from Zambia. She shared that she typically wears traditional attire only for special ceremonies and noted that Chinese students were eager to take photos with her and admire her costume up close.

Huang highlighted that at CQJTU, Chinese and international students often collaborate on projects and play basketball together, with occasional minor frictions helping to foster communication and meaningful cultural exchange.

The International Cultural Festival, running from October to November, features a variety of vibrant activities. The festival will also host the release of the Poland Development Report (2023) and Chongqing and China-Europe Railway Express: Industry-University-Research Cooperation Dynamics and Prospects (Germany Volume) to further promote global cultural and educational exchanges.

Chinese and international students jointly hosted the CQJTU International Cultural Festival 2024. (Photo/ CQJTU)