On the afternoon of November 30, the 8th International Cultural Festival, themed Each Beauty in Its Own Way, Sharing Beauty Together, was successfully hosted by Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics (JUFE) and organized by Overseas Education School. The event took place at the North Campus's Jueqi Plaza. Vice President Fang Yuming attended and delivered a speech. Officials from Nanchang Public Security Bureau's Exit and Entry Administration, representatives from other universities, and leaders of JUFE’s departments and schools also observed the event. The festival attracted international students from over 60 countries and more than 2,000 JUFE faculty and students, gathering together for this culturally rich extravaganza.
During the opening ceremony, Vice President Fang warmly welcomed all guests, faculty, and students. He highlighted the university's new journey of Third Entrepreneurship, embracing opportunities in digitalization, greening, and internationalization while advancing three key transformations. Fang emphasized JUFE's commitment to implementing the National Education Conference’s spirit, refining its educational philosophy, enhancing the quality of international student education, and nurturing students who understand, appreciate, and support China while fostering JUFE's global educational influence and competitiveness. He noted that the International Cultural Festival serves as a platform for cross-cultural exchange, embodying the idea that kindred spirits are not separated by mountains or seas. Fang encouraged both Chinese and international students to use the festival as an opportunity to transcend cultural barriers, deepen mutual understanding, and forge meaningful friendships, thus contributing to the harmonious exchange of civilizations.
Zimbabwean doctoral student Nicole Chiboiwa, speaking on behalf of the students, passionately stated that the festival is not just a showcase of diverse cultures but also a valuable platform for promoting international friendship and mutual understanding. She urged her peers to actively participate in the various activities, broaden their horizons, and engage in meaningful exchanges to contribute to cultural diversity and global peace.
The festival opened with a fashion show featuring representatives from different countries. A series of captivating performances followed, including traditional dances from Mongolia and Indonesia, heartfelt songs from Bangladesh and Ghana, and vibrant singing and dancing by student music and dance clubs. The event also showcased Chinese traditional music, classical poetry recitations, Hanfu fashion displays, ethnic minority dances, and a children’s choir from JUFE’s affiliated school. Additionally, hip-hop performances by Jiangxi Fashion Institute students brought contemporary energy to the stage. The festival created a cultural confluence that transcended time and space, allowing the audience to experience the passion of Africa, the allure of Southeast Asia, the grandeur of the Mongolian steppe, and the elegance of ancient and modern China. Each note and step conveyed respect and love for the world's diverse cultures.
Meanwhile, the 18 international cultural booths on both sides of Jueqi Plaza were bustling with activity. Students dressed in traditional attire showcased their cultures through posters, decorations, games, cuisines, and performances. In the Chinese exhibition areas representing Han, Uyghur, and Tibetan cultures, traditional snacks, ancient artworks, and calligraphy were particularly popular among international students. Attendees delighted in tasting Moroccan chocolate, Kenyan roast lamb, Madagascan vanilla tea, and Pakistani masala rice, embarking on a global culinary journey. Displays of Hanfu and various national costumes and handicrafts attracted thousands of spectators, who eagerly immersed themselves in the vibrant cultures, as if stepping into a “global cultural garden.”
University leaders and guests strolled through the booths, enthusiastically interacting with international students, adding a warm and welcoming touch to the event.
As the festival drew to a close, Chinese and international students joined together in a synchronized dance, bringing the event to a joyful climax and fully showcasing the charm of multiculturalism.
Since its inception in 2015, JUFE’s International Cultural Festival has continued to innovate, becoming a brilliant stage for Chinese and international students to celebrate their unique cultures. It weaves together the colors of world cultures, painting a vivid and harmonious picture of JUFE’s global engagement.