CUMT leaders visit the festival
Performance by international students
The 10th International Cultural Festival of China University of Mining and Technology was grandly inaugurated at the Gymnasium of the Nanhu Campus on the morning of November 23. With the theme of "One World, Shared Joy, " the festival aims to deepen understanding and friendship among Chinese and international faculty and students, and to enhance a multicultural campus environment. Attending the opening ceremony were Li Jiangtao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT); Dong Haining, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the International College of Jiangsu Normal University; Zhang Yang, Deputy Dean of the International Education College of Xuzhou Medical University; as well as leaders from the CUMT’s Publicity Department, Youth League Committee, International Office, Student Affairs Office, Security Office, and International College.
Li Jiangtao announced the opening of the 10th International Cultural Festival. Wu Gefei, Dean of the International College and Director of the International Student Management Office, delivered the opening address on behalf of the organizer.
Over a hundred Chinese and international students presented a feast of diversified cultures, from joyful dancing to captivating musical performances. The live performance began with traditional Chinese lion dance and a chorus of the classic song "We Are the World" performed by international students from 32 countries. Performances such as the Vietnamese song and dance "Vietnam Welcomes You" by students from Jiangsu Normal University, the African dance "Heart of Africa" by students from Xuzhou Medical University, and our university's student presentations including "Strutting Down the Catwalk—A Showcase of Ethnic Costumes from Around the World," an Uzbek traditional dance, a Northeastern Thai dance, and Pakistani song and dance, not only showcased the unique charm of diverse cultures worldwide but also brought the audience into vibrant and colorful cultural realms. In addition, traditional Chinese performances like "Pipa Xing" (The Lute), "Wall-Watching + Farewell Letter," and Sino-foreign choral performances of songs such as "A Better Tomorrow," "Chinese Language," and "I Miss" resonated deeply with the audience, eliciting waves of applause. The entire gymnasium was immersed in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Over a thousand international students set up 40 national booths, vividly showcasing a rich array of cultural characteristics from their home countries, including traditional attire, handicrafts, and cuisine. These booths attracted thousands of faculty and students, who came to experience the exotic flavors and savor the distinctive delicacies. Four booths dedicated to traditional Chinese arts and cuisine—lacquered fans, calligraphy, sugar paintings, and twisted pastries—were also popular, with long queues of faculty and students eager to experience and taste these cultural treasures. Notably, among the visitors to the various national booths were many local residents of Xuzhou. Iskander, a Russian international student, shared that as he currently lives off-campus, he would not have been able to present authentic Russian cuisine without the huge support from his friendly neighbors. "This is not just an opportunity for cultural exchange, but also a beautiful demonstration of community integration," said a local resident surnamed Li. This heartwarming scene not only fostered mutual understanding and respect between people from different cultures but also added a vibrant touch to the cultural diversity of Xuzhou.
Since its inception in 2013, the International Cultural Festival of China University of Mining and Technology has been held for ten years. Over the past decade, the festival has featured a splendid array of cultural exhibitions, unique traditional performances, and a series of interactive activities. These events have significantly enhanced understanding and respect between Chinese and international students, building a robust platform for exchange that invites the world to CUMT and enables CUMT to reach out to the world.
Following the opening ceremony, the 10th International Cultural Festival will run until the end of December with a series of events, including the "Photography and Painting Competition for Chinese and International Students," the "Chinese Language Competition for International Students," and the "2024 Xuzhou Chinese Song Competition for International Students."
