The Fourth Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) International Cultural Festival took place on May 24, showcasing the university’s diverse, open and inclusive cultural atmosphere.

Jia Dezhong, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, delivers opening remarks at the Fourth BFSU International Cultural Festival. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

In his opening remarks, Jia Dezhong, deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, said that the event not only reflects BFSU’s international environment but also embodies the university’s strategic vision of building a globally oriented institution that serves the missions of the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Development Initiative.

He encouraged Chinese and international students to act as ambassadors of cultural exchange and bridges of mutual learning among civilizations, and to strengthen their skills and broaden their horizons.

The opening ceremony of the Fourth BFSU International Cultural Festival features a variety of performances. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The opening ceremony began with a string quartet, highlighting the universal language of music and the unifying power of art. A martial arts performance by a Malaysian student demonstrated the strength of Chinese traditions, while a vibrant group dance by students from Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand expressed their heartfelt connection to BFSU.

Students representing various countries take part in a campus parade. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Following the ceremony, a grand campus parade unfolded, led by nearly 200 students clad in traditional attire from various countries. Singing and dancing as they marched, the participants turned the BFSU campus into a living mosaic of world cultures, drawing cheers and enthusiastic applause from spectators along the way.

The Fourth BFSU International Cultural Festival includes a student salon themed “Arts of the Five Continents”. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

During the “Arts of the Five Continents” student salon, participants from countries such as Azerbaijan, Myanmar, Indonesia, Madagascar and the Republic of the Congo performed traditional dances. A wide array of singing, instrumental, crosstalk and Peking Opera performances by both Chinese and international students captivated the audience and added depth to the festival’s artistic appeal.

The cultural exhibition area consists of country-specific booths and a Chinese culture section. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The cultural exhibition area, consisting of country-specific booths and a Chinese culture section, ran throughout the day’s events. From traditional clothing and cuisine to handicrafts and characteristic performances, the exhibits offered a feast for the senses. The Chinese culture exhibition area highlighted the elegance of hanfu attire, opera and folk performing arts.

Participants of the Fourth BFSU International Cultural Festival pose for commemorative photos. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The International Cultural Festival has become a signature event at BFSU, underscoring the university’s distinctive approach to internationalized education and its accomplishments in educating international students in China.