On May 10, Tianjin International Student Cultural Festival kicked off at Tianjin University in Tianjin, bringing together over 1,000 international students from nearly 50 countries, including members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The event, themed “SCO Connection, Global Colors in Tianjin”, showcased cultural performances and exhibitions, promoting global exchange and unity.
The festival featured a series of performances highlighting cultural fusion. Students from Tianjin University of Finance and Economics performed a bilingual Chinese-English “kuaiban” storytelling piece, celebrating Tianjin’s history and modern charm. A choir of 35 students from 14 countries performed “Harmony Across the Seas,” blending the traditional Chinese melody “Jasmine Flower” with global musical elements. Other performances included a contemporary dance inspired by Persian carpet patterns and a reenactment of “Life as a Malaysian Student at TJU” .
Alongside the performances, Peiyang Square was transformed into a “global village” with nearly 50 cultural booths. Visitors sampled international cuisines, including Malaysian nasi lemak and satay, Vietnamese pho, and Egyptian rice pudding. Interactive activities such as henna art, mosaic-making, and traditional costume try-ons drew large crowds.
The event also introduced workshops on Chinese intangible cultural heritage, where students tried their hand at kite-making, woodblock printing, and crafting velvet flowers. “We’re not just cultural participants—we’re ambassadors of the new Silk Road,” said Wang Nana, a Thai student at Tianjin Normal University.
This year’s festival coincided with Tianjin University’s 130th anniversary, and a special commemorative “passport” featuring an SCO knowledge challenge became a popular souvenir. Umar, a Tajikistani student at Nankai University, said, “Each stamp represents a piece of brilliant civilization. This souvenir will inspire me to explore all the SCO countries.”
The festival successfully fostered cultural understanding and strengthened international friendships, offering a vivid example of global exchange in action.
