The Sixth International Cultural Festival of East China University of Science and Technology transformed the Xuhui Campus lawn into a vibrant global village on November 10. Embracing the theme "Hello, World @ECUST," the event drew a diverse crowd of over a thousand people—from university members to local residents—all gathering to celebrate a rich tapestry of world cultures right at the heart of campus.

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence and addresses of Mr. Shen Haitao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of ECUST, and His Excellency Mohannad Al Nakbi, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Shanghai. The event also welcomed a distinguished lineup of guests, including: Ms. Zhu Jiamin, Branch Manager of Bank of China Limited Shanghai Meilong Sub-branch; Mr. Jiang Qinting, East China Regional General Manager of Shenchengtou Group; Senior university officials: Ms. Cui Shanshan (Head of Student Affairs), Prof. Li Xiaopeng (Dean of the International Education College), and Mr. Wei Xing (Secretary of the Youth League Committee).

In his address, Shen Haitao highlighted ECUST's expanding global partnerships with over 170 institutions and its growing international student body. He described the campus as a vibrant ground for cultural exchange, encouraging all students to serve as cultural envoys and build bridges toward a shared future for humanity.

His Excellency Mohannad Al Nakbi, Consul General of the UAE in Shanghai, attended as guest of honor. He noted the deep cultural affinity between the two nations, revealing that ECUST hosts 37 Emirati students – the largest cohort at any Chinese university. "This reflects our strong educational partnership and the vibrant people-to-people ties at the heart of UAE-China relations," he stated.

Adding to the day's highlights, the Emirati Ayala dance troupe, currently in China for the 8th CIIE, made a special stop at the ECUST campus. Their captivating performance, rich in national heritage, became a standout moment of the entire festival.

The cultural performances became the day's main event, captivating the audience with a dynamic world tour—from Chinese elegance and Mongolian power to Thai grace, Malaysian pop energy, and Pakistani passion, each act earning roaring applause.

The heart of the festival was its cultural booths from 22 countries. Students created immersive displays of their heritage through traditional cuisines, ethnic costumes, and handicrafts. Visitors explored a world of flavors and crafts—from Saudi henna art and Sierra Leonean dried fruits to Yemeni spices, Malaysian snacks, Brazilian photography, and Mongolian dice games—all without leaving campus.

The festival's true success lay in the connections it forged. Chinese students discovered a world of diversity right on campus, while international students found a welcoming home away from home. Together, they celebrated the spirit of cultural exchange and lasting friendship.

Source: East China University of Science and Technology